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

Three others remain in hospital with critical wounds after the assailant rammed a car into people before attacking with a knife on Thursday.

The violent incident, which authorities have declared was a terror-related event, took place during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.

The attacker, who was shot dead at the site, was a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who was not previously identified to counter terrorism police, as stated by security officials.

Community Response

"Our hearts are broken," the nation's top rabbinical authority stated.

During a conversation on a major broadcast, he stated: "The tragic incident was a terrible shock to us, something which we had apprehensions regarding might happen because of the escalating tensions."

The attack was not only "an extremely difficult period" for Jews in Britain "but for all of our society," he added.

Government Response

"Our responsibility is to guarantee our Jewish citizens, our residents can go about their lives with safety and security," a cabinet minister announced.

"We cannot allow Jewish people in our country to believe they must live a limited religious practice, that they cannot conduct their affairs and practice their faith and visit their worship places in freedom," she continued.

The assailant was not recognized to terrorism investigators, she told media outlets, and it was "too early" to say if there was a organized group behind the attack.

Investigation Update

The criminal probe was "progressing rapidly" and there was an additional law enforcement visibility at synagogues across the UK.

"The government does provide protective measures," the representative stated, adding: "It will be necessary to examine what more we can do to address growing religious prejudice."

Law enforcement officials confirmed they were assisting the relatives of the two victims.

"Sincere condolences are with the families of the victims at this incredibly difficult period," law enforcement leadership declared.

He confirmed that specialized support personnel were in touch with relatives and would continue to support them through the investigative procedures.

"While protocols must be followed which must be followed, we pledge to remain sensitive of community customs and concerns and to guaranteeing that these men and their loved ones' wishes are followed," he continued, mentioning that the both victims were from the Manchester community.

Post-mortems are being conducted on the next day, per government statements.