One of the victims of the Manchester synagogue attack on Yom Kippur appears to have been mistakenly shot dead by police officers who responded to the incident, Chief Constable Stephen Watson of the Greater Manchester Police stated on Friday, according to a GMP announcement.
While the police did not mention which of the victims was the one who was apparently shot, the wound that killed him "may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end," Watson stated.
Earlier today, GMP named Adrian Daulby (53) and Melvin Cravitz (66), both from Crumpsall, as those killed in the attack.
"It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from the GMP's Authorised Firearms Officers," the statement noted.
Four others were wounded in the attack and treated by paramedics on scene. Three of the four were transfered to the hospital for further medical treatment, one of which is currently being treated in the hospital for a gunshot wound, "which is mercifully not life threatening," the statement added.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of the families, and the wider community, impacted by this incident across Greater Manchester and beyond," the statement concluded.
This is a developing story.
Mathilda Heller and Reuters contributed to this report.