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Two individuals killed in an assault on a synagogue in Manchester have been revealed by police as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

Three others continue receiving medical care with serious injuries after the attacker rammed a car into pedestrians before using a bladed weapon on Thursday morning.

The violent incident, which law enforcement has confirmed was a act of terrorism, took place during the Day of Atonement, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish faith.

The attacker, who was shot dead at the location, was a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian heritage who was not previously known to terrorism investigators, according to government sources.

Community Response

"We are devastated," Britain's senior Jewish leader commented.

During a conversation on a major broadcast, he remarked: "Yesterday's events was a devastating impact to us, something which we had been concerned about might happen because of the build up."

The attack was not only "a profoundly troubling moment" for Jewish citizens nationwide "but for the entire nation," he added.

Official Reaction

"Our responsibility is to guarantee our Jewish community, our citizens can live their lives with protection and peace of mind," a senior government official declared.

"I do not want Jewish people in our country to feel like they have to live a reduced Jewish identity, that they cannot conduct their affairs and practice their faith and go to their communal institutions in liberty," she stated.

The attacker was not identified to counter-terrorism police, she informed news organizations, and it was "too early" to say if there was a organized group behind the attack.

Investigation Update

The criminal probe was "moving forward quickly" and there was an enhanced security deployment at synagogues across the UK.

"Authorities allocate security funding," the representative said, adding: "I think we will have to consider what further actions we can take to address rising antisemitism."

Greater Manchester police confirmed they were supporting the families of the two men killed.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of the victims at this extremely hard time," the lead investigator expressed.

He indicated that trained family liaison officers were in communication with families and would provide ongoing help through the coronial process.

"While protocols must be followed which require adherence, we commit to being mindful of religious traditions and concerns and to making certain that these men and their relatives' requests are honored," he said, noting that the deceased individuals were from the Manchester community.

Post-mortems are scheduled on Friday, as confirmed by government statements.