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Two men killed in an attack on a Jewish house of worship in Manchester have been identified by police as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66.

Three more people continue receiving medical care with critical wounds after Jihad Al-Shamie drove a vehicle into pedestrians before attacking with a knife on Thursday morning.

The violent incident, which police have said was a terrorist incident, came on Judaism's holiest day, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.

The assailant, who was killed by police at the location, was a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian descent who was not on record to counter-terrorism authorities, per official statements.

Community Response

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

In an interview with a major broadcast, he remarked: "The tragic incident was a terrible shock to us, something which we had been concerned about might happen because of the build up."

The attack was not only "a very dark time" for Jewish citizens nationwide "but for the entire nation," he continued.

Security Measures

"Our responsibility is to guarantee our Jewish community, our residents can live their lives with security and assurance," a cabinet minister announced.

"I do not want Jewish citizens in our country to believe they must live a smaller Jewish life, that they cannot conduct their affairs and observe their religion and visit their worship places in liberty," she continued.

The assailant was not recognized to counter-terrorism police, she stated to news organizations, and it was "premature" to say if there was a organized group behind the attack.

Ongoing Probe

The criminal probe was "moving forward quickly" and there was an increased police presence at synagogues across the UK.

"The government does provide security funding," the representative commented, adding: "We must evaluate what additional measures we can implement to deal with growing religious prejudice."

Law enforcement officials announced they were providing help to loved ones of the two victims.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz's loved ones at this extremely hard time," law enforcement leadership stated.

He said that specialized support personnel were in contact with them and would maintain assistance through the official inquiries.

"While protocols must be followed which need compliance, we pledge to remain sensitive of cultural preferences and needs and to making certain that the deceased and their relatives' requests are honored," he added, noting that the both victims were from the Manchester community.

Medical examinations are being conducted on the following day, according to government statements.