Synagogue attacker's family 'sorry' to miss hearing

The brother of the Manchester synagogue attacker has apologised for his family's absence at a pre-inquest review, saying the hearing had "slipped our mind".

Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was shot minutes after launching his car and knife attack at Heaton Park synagogue in the city's Crumpsall area on 2 October.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed while another three men were seriously injured in the attack.

Shortly after the hearing had begun at Manchester Coroner's Court, an email from Al-Shamie's brother Kenan was read out by the lawyer for the inquest, Edward Pleeth.

Kenan Al-Shamie wrote: "I'm so sorry. Somehow it slipped our minds. We don't want to disturb the flow by joining."

Earlier, the court was told the Al-Shamie family had been notified of the hearing and that his brother and father were expected to join via videolink.

The Chief Coroner of England and Wales, Judge Alexia Durran, ruled the hearing could continue in their absence and that the family would later have access to a transcript of the proceedings.

The inquest previously heard how Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, began his rampage by driving his Kia Picanto at security staff and the external gates of the synagogue as worshippers were gathering for Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

CCTV footage from the scene showed Al-Shamie driving his car into the gates and external wall of the synagogue at 09:30 BST, striking a security guard, before attacking worshippers and other security guards with a knife.

He then tried to storm the synagogue, wearing a fake suicide belt, before being shot dead by armed police.

He was identified by his fingerprints and "secondary evidence" at the scene, including his mobile phone and car.

It was agreed that Al-Shamie's inquest - expected to last two or three weeks - will be held after those of his victims in the spring or summer of 2027.

A date for his next pre-inquest hearing will be confirmed at a later date.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.