A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of failing to disclose information about terrorist activity, bringing the total number of arrests in connection with the attack on a Manchester synagogue to eight, Greater Manchester Police said. Officers detained the man at an address in Salford on Tuesday evening. He remains in police custody for questioning.
The arrest is directly linked to the attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on 2 October last year, in which two men were killed and three others suffered serious injuries. The incident occurred during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
The Attack on Heaton Park Synagogue
Knifeman Jihad Al‑Shamie, 35, drove a car into pedestrians before stabbing worshippers at the synagogue. He was wearing a vest that appeared to be an explosive device, but officers later found it was not viable. During a 999 call made at the time of the attack, Al‑Shamie pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. He was shot dead at the scene by armed officers.
Adrian Daulby, 53, died from a single police gunshot wound as he attempted to block the synagogue doors. Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from multiple stab wounds inflicted by Al‑Shamie. Three other people were left with serious injuries. Detectives believe Al‑Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology. The attack has been described as the most lethal antisemitic incident in Britain in modern times.
The Investigation and Previous Arrests
Tuesday’s arrest is the eighth overall in connection with the attack. Six people were initially arrested on suspicion of terror offences shortly after the incident. Among them, a 30‑year‑old man was arrested on 9 October last year on suspicion of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity; he remains under investigation and on bail.
A 31‑year‑old man, Mohammad Asim Bashir, was arrested at Manchester Airport on 27 November last year. He has since been charged with terrorism offences that are not directly linked to the attack, including preparation for acts of terrorism and dissemination of terrorist publications. Two other individuals – an 18‑year‑old woman and a 43‑year‑old man – were arrested but later released with no further action.
Failure to Disclose: Section 38B Explained
The latest arrest is on suspicion of an offence under Section 38B of the Terrorism Act 2000, which criminalises the failure to disclose information that could prevent an act of terrorism. Under this law, anyone who believes – or has reasonable cause to suspect – that another person is preparing or planning acts of terrorism must inform the police as soon as reasonably practicable. A reasonable excuse, such as a genuine fear of reprisal, can be a defence. The maximum sentence for the offence is up to ten years imprisonment, as amended by later legislation.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said the loved ones of the victims had been informed of the arrest. “We remain unwavering in our commitment to establishing the full picture behind the attack and getting answers for those affected, including the local community,” he said. “We are prepared to take swift, firm action where we suspect criminal offences may have occurred.”
In the three weeks following the attack, antisemitic hate crimes in the UK reportedly tripled. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, highlighting the rise in hatred and antisemitism. King Charles III later visited the synagogue to meet with survivors and families of the victims.
“Our investigation is continuing, and I would once again urge anybody who may have information that could assist us to please contact police,” Potts added.
