Eyewitness Describes Time When 'Deranged Individual' Attacked Manchester Synagogue

A man assisting in fortifying a house of prayer in the region of Manchester has recounted how a tragic incident took place, leading to the demise of a pair of Jewish individuals.

Early Thursday, a congregant was inside the Heaton Park synagogue when an attacker drove a vehicle toward and attacked with a knife members gathering for a service to observe the holy day.

Mr Levy stated that the 'deranged' perpetrator sought to force open the entryways of the synagogue, and he described locking down the structure with fellow worshippers.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66 died in the violence on the morning, while additional persons were hurt while trying to protect congregants.

Survivor Testimony of the Attack

Mr Levy, who is a key figure at the house of worship, explained holding the doors and said that the assailant wielded sharp objects and garden containers to attempt entry.

"I saw a terrifying individual ram against the entrance, seeking to force them open while armed with a blade," he explained to the media.

The single phrase I heard was him saying 'this is what you're going to get for killing our children'.

Just those words were spoken. And we were inside the building and we were declaring 'we are not letting this man in'.

He appeared as a crazed, violent individual."

Funeral Conducted for Victim

These comments came as hundreds of people attended the memorial for the deceased.

Family members, congregants from the synagogue group including the community rabbi, and participants of the wider Jewish community assembled in the local area to show support.

Mourners occupied the burial ground, with several waiting outside the chapel in the rain, following the proceedings over loudspeakers.

In a tribute issued on the following day, the victim's loved ones said that he would "do anything to help anyone".

Authorities Probe and Detentions

Local authorities reported that one victim was likely struck by police gunfire as they engaged the assailant soon after the incident was reported.

He, who was hailed by his relatives as a "brave individual", was attending a ceremony at the house of worship when the attack unfolded.

He remained a dear family member, caring relative to his four nieces and one nephew and a valued relative," his loved ones noted.

His loved ones are devastated by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down to earth man.

"His final act showed immense heroism and he will always be honored for his heroic act."

Several arrests were conducted in relation to the violence, and authorities indicated that several individuals were still detained on the weekend.

Each of them were arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

The suspects consist of a pair of males, of specific ages and apprehended nearby; a female in her 60s arrested in Prestwich; and a middle-aged female arrested in Farnworth.

Other suspects were released with no further action, police stated on Saturday.