Manchester synagogue terrorist was on bail for alleged rape before attack

The Manchester synagogue terrorist was on police bail for an alleged rape before the attack. Jihad al-Shamie, 35, was being investigated over the alleged sexual offence. The Guardian reports the attack is believed to have taken place earlier this year. The newspaper detailed that it has been told that al-Shamie was not known to counter-terrorism agencies, or referred to the anti-radicalisation scheme Prevent, but he had been prosecuted for criminal matters.

Exactly when the alleged rape took place remains unknown, but it is understood that al-Shamie was on bail while under investigation by Greater Manchester police (GMP). It has also been reported that he had criminal convictions, but for less serious offences. These were not related to terrorism, it is believed. A source said that he was "on nobody's radar for terrorism" but had a criminal record. There was "nothing to suggest he was going to do anything like this", they added.

The Guardian also wrote that officers are examining whether al-Shamie sent a death threat to a former Conservative MP in 2012.

John Howell received an email from someone referring to themselves as "Jihad Alshamie".

It reportedly read: "It is people like you who deserve to die."

A worshipper died and another was injured after they were accidentally shot by armed police while attempting to prevent Al-Shamie from entering a synagogue.

Al-Shamie was shot dead by police seven minutes after officers were called about the attacker ramming into people with a car and stabbing a man outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both died and three others remain in hospital with serious injuries following the attack.

Armed police accidentally shot Mr Daulby and another member of the public while attempting to stop Al-Shamie getting into the synagogue.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said the only shots fired outside the synagogue were by armed officers as Al-Shamie did not have a firearm.

In a statement released on Friday, Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Rabbi Daniel Walker, its president Hilary Foxler and chairman of trustees Alan Levy, described the terror attack as a "desecration".

Their statement added: "These were not simply members of our synagogue - they were our friends, our family - and their absence leaves a void that can never be filled."