Police missed chance to look at synagogue attacker's phone
Greater Manchester Police have apologized after admitting they failed to analyze mobile devices seized from a man who later carried out a fatal terror attack on a synagogue. The devices contained evidence of extremist views that could have triggered earlier investigative action.
Why it matters
The failure to process evidence in a known extremist case highlights critical lapses in counter-terrorism intelligence and police oversight.
Image source, Facebook Image caption, Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was on bail for an alleged rape when he attacked the synagogue in Manchester
A police chief has apologised after admitting phones were seized from the Manchester synagogue attacker months before the car and knife assault but they were not examined.
Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was on bail for an alleged rape when he carried out the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall on 2 October 2025, in which two Jewish men were killed.
His devices, which contained evidence of his extreme views, were seized after he was arrested in February and September but not analysed.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said he was "deeply sorry", conceding that "the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action".
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