Manchester synagogue attacker died of multiple gunshot wounds, inquest hears

The Manchester synagogue attacker died after he sustained multiple gunshot wounds, an inquest has heard.

Jihad al Shamie launched an attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall on 2 October, driving his car at worshippers gathering on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, before attacking others with a knife and trying to storm inside. Armed police shot al Shamie after he ran towards officers "aggressively" while carrying a knife and what police feared was an explosive device - later identified as a fake.

The inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at Manchester Coroner's Court on Friday. Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes told the hearing that officers "discharged several rounds" at al Shamie, who "sustained multiple bullet wounds and collapsed to the ground".

Judge Alexia Durran, the chief coroner of England and Wales, said her provisional findings were that al Shamie died of gunshot wounds. Al Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, was identified by his fingerprints and evidence, including his car, phone and inquiries with his immediate family in the aftermath of the attack, the hearing was told.

Members of his family attended the inquest hearing via a video link. Worshippers Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed in the attack, with Mr Daulby being described as a "quiet hero" who leapt from his seat to block the doors of the synagogue as it came under attack.

Read more:Manchester attack victim speaks outFather of al Shamie calls for unity Father-of-three Mr Cravitz died from multiple knife wounds inflicted by al Shamie, the court was told during a previous hearing. Mr Daulby died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, fired by an armed police officer scrambled to the scene.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct found no misconduct in the police response. The inquests into the deaths of both men were opened on Wednesday and adjourned for a pre-inquest review in February next year..