Greater Manchester Police has admitted that mobile phones seized from the man who carried out an attack on a Manchester synagogue were not examined, despite containing evidence of his extremist views. Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was on bail for an alleged rape when he killed two Jewish men in the car and knife assault at Heaton Park Synagogue on October 2, 2025.

Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson has issued a deep apology for the missed opportunity, stating that the information on Al-Shamie's devices would have prompted further investigative action. The phones were seized during two separate arrests in February and September of 2025, but their contents, which reportedly revealed extremist ideologies and discussions about "preparing for war," were not analyzed.

Details of the missed opportunity emerged during the sentencing of Mohammad Bashir, who had plotted a separate attack with Al-Shamie. WhatsApp chats between the two men, detailing their extremist views, were presented in court. Sir Stephen acknowledged that the lifting of rules around sharing information about a live criminal case, following the conclusion of legal proceedings against Bashir, allowed for the disclosure of this information.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is investigating all prior contact between Greater Manchester Police and Jihad Al-Shamie leading up to the terror attack. This investigation includes reviewing the police's handling of allegations of rape and other sexual offenses against Al-Shamie.

One officer is currently under investigation by the IOPC for potential misconduct concerning the handling of these allegations. The police watchdog emphasized that this does not automatically mean disciplinary proceedings will follow, with a decision to be made upon the investigation's conclusion.

Al-Shamie drove a car into the gates of the synagogue and attacked worshippers with a knife during Yom Kippur services. Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed in the attack. Al-Shamie, who was wearing a fake suicide belt, was subsequently shot and killed by police at the scene.

The IOPC's investigation will also consider whether Greater Manchester Police missed any opportunities to prevent the attack. The watchdog stated it was made aware of the information recovered from Al-Shamie's devices by GMP only last week and will review it as part of its ongoing inquiry.

Al-Shamie's initial arrest on February 13, 2025, was on suspicion of breaching a non-molestation order. His subsequent arrest on September 21, 2025, was on suspicion of rape. The police chief expressed disappointment at the prospect of adding to the distress of those affected by the "terrible events."