Man, 31, arrested at airport over Manchester synagogue attack

. UK edition

A police officer gathers up floral tributes outside Heaton Park synagogue 6 October. A man was arrested after arriving on a flight, Greater Manchester police said.
A police officer gathers up floral tributes outside Heaton Park synagogue 6 October. A man was arrested after arriving on a flight, Greater Manchester police said. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Man held on suspicion of plotting terror attack after arriving on inbound flight to Manchester airport

A man has been arrested on suspicion of plotting a terror attack in relation to the Manchester synagogue assault.

The 31-year-old was arrested after arriving on an inbound flight to Manchester airport on Thursday, police said. He remains in custody for questioning.

Two people, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, were killed when Jihad al-Shamie launched a car and knife attack on Heaton Park shul on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, on 2 October.

Cravitz, 66, died in hospital from stab wounds while Daulby, 53, was fatally struck by a police bullet fired by armed officers. Shamie, 35, was shot dead by police while wearing a fake explosive belt.

Rob Potts, an assistant chief constable at Greater Manchester police, said: “The loved ones of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz have been updated on this development, as have those who were seriously injured in the attack.”

Seven people have so far been arrested in connection with the attack, which was the most lethal antisemitic incident in Britain in modern times.

One of those, a 30-year-old man, was arrested on 9 October at Manchester airport on suspicion of failing to disclose information that could prevent a terror attack. He remains on bail. Five others were released without further action.

Potts added: “Our investigation is continuing, and I would once again appeal for anyone with information that they think could assist our inquiries to please come forward. We are also still seeking to identify and speak to anyone who was present at the time of the incident or the immediate aftermath so that we can ensure they have access to all the welfare support options that are available to witnesses.

“If you believe you may have been one of those witnesses or have information that could help us identify them then please contact us via the major incident public portal or by calling 0161 856 3946.”