Manchester Police Chief Apologises After Synagogue Attacker’s Phones Were Not Examined
Ninoda.com – A senior police official has offered a heartfelt apology after acknowledging that mobile devices belonging to the Manchester synagogue attacker were confiscated on two separate occasions yet never properly reviewed. Sir Stephen Watson, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, expressed his regret that crucial information contained within these phones could have prompted additional investigative steps.
Timeline of Seized Devices
Jihad Al-Shamie, aged 35, was released on bail concerning an alleged rape when he executed the devastating assault on Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall on October 2, 2025. The attack resulted in the deaths of two Jewish men. His electronic devices, which held evidence of his radicalised beliefs, were taken into custody following arrests in February and September but remained unanalysed until after the tragedy.
“I am deeply sorry,” Sir Stephen Watson conceded, acknowledging that “the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action.”
Bashir Sentencing Reveals New Details
The apology followed the sentencing of Mohammad Bashir, who received a life sentence with a minimum term of seventeen years for his role in plotting a separate attack alongside Al-Shamie targeting the UK’s Defence Academy in Shrivenham. Court proceedings at Manchester Crown Court uncovered that the two men had been exchanging extremist messages through WhatsApp conversations, including discussions about preparing for what they described as a “war”.
Video footage presented during the trial captured the pair discussing their desire to become martyrs. Sir Stephen Watson explained that the conclusion of legal proceedings against Bashir had removed restrictions on sharing information related to the ongoing criminal case.
“In conducting an internal review, it became apparent that GMP had seized Al-Shhamie’s mobile devices, at the point of each arrest. The significance of the data contents of these devices was substantial in respect of evidencing an extremist mindset.”
IOPC Investigation Underway
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has confirmed it is examining all prior interactions between Greater Manchester Police and Al-Shamie before the October 2025 terror attack. This comprehensive review encompasses police responses to various crime reports involving the attacker.
One officer faces potential misconduct allegations concerning their handling of rape and other sexual offence claims against Al-Shamie. A spokesperson for the watchdog noted that disciplinary action is not automatic and will depend on the investigation’s outcome.
Details of the Attack
Al-Shamie, originally from Prestwich, drove his Kia Picanto vehicle through the synagogue gates before beginning a knife attack on worshippers who had gathered to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby lost their lives during the assault. Al-Shamie, who was wearing a fake suicide belt, was shot dead by police officers at the scene.
“Regrettably, I can confirm that the significance of the information stored on Al-Shamie’s devices was not realised as they had not been examined before the attack took place on the 2 October 2025,” the Chief Constable stated.
Future Inquests
Sir Stephen Watson expressed confidence that the extremist messages found on the attacker’s phones would have triggered further investigation had they been reviewed. The inquests into the deaths of Cravitz and Daulby are scheduled for spring 2027 and will examine Al-Shamie’s radicalisation process as well as whether the attack could have been prevented.
The IOPC indicated it would assess whether Greater Manchester Police missed opportunities to stop the attack. The watchdog learned about the information recovered from Al-Shamie’s devices by GMP last week and plans to incorporate this into its investigation. Sir Stephen noted that the coroner and IOPC will determine the impact of police failing to review the device contents beforehand.
“I am disappointed at the prospect of adding to the distress of all of those affected by the terrible events last October. For this, I am deeply sorry.”
