Greater Manchester’s Chief Constable has apologised to the victims of the Heaton Park Mosque attack after it has been reported that the force failed to examine the attacker Jihad Al-Shamie’s mobile phones prior to the second of October attack
Chief Constable “deeply sorry” for the added distress of this news to those affected by October’s attack
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson QPM said:
“The terrorist atrocity at the Heaton Park synagogue last October was a wicked act which inflicted great harm and suffering upon bereaved families and survivors. For our Jewish community, it also served to amplify their anxieties and fears which are legitimate, longstanding and visceral.
“Legal proceedings against Mohammed Bashir have today been concluded. Bashir was convicted and is now sentenced for having prepared, with Jihad Al-Shamie, to commit terrorist acts in respect of the UK Defence Academy at Shrivenham. As is already known, Al-Shamie was subsequently shot dead by police in consequence of his attack upon innocent members of the Heaton Park synagogue on Yom Kippur.
“The conclusion of legal proceedings against Bashir means that the rules which prevent the sharing of information about live criminal cases are now lifted. Today therefore marks the first possible opportunity for me to provide additional information as to the nature of the contact that GMP had with Al-Shamie prior to his cowardly attack upon those attending the synagogue.
“There are ongoing Coronial processes which are designed to examine, in forensic detail, all aspects of the attack itself.
“The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is also engaged in conducting a review into GMP’s past investigations into Al-Shamie. It is factually the case that Al-Shamie had come to the notice of GMP in respect of two linked criminal allegations which did not relate to terrorist offences. These allegations resulted in his being arrested on the 13th February 2025 on suspicion of breaching a non-molestation order; and on the 21st September 2025 on suspicion of rape. At the time of his committing the attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue, Al-Shamie was on police bail.
“In conducting an internal review, it became apparent that GMP had seized Al-Shamie’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.
“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 2nd of October 2025.
“It is for the IOPC and the Coronial Inquests to determine the impact of not reviewing the contents of the devices.
“There can however, be little doubt that the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action. It is clear that our not having reviewed the data available to us prior to the attack constitutes a missed opportunity.
“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.
“It is my fervent hope and expectation that the continuing independent reviews and processes will be able to draw together all the available evidence such as to leave no question unanswered. In the interim, GMP will continue to act transparently, with candour and in a manner which fully embraces our accountability.
“I have already made direct contact with those personally affected by Al-Shamie’s barbarism, together with representatives of our Jewish community, to apprise them of this development. I thank them for their continuing support.
“GMP is unwavering in our commitment to all people across Greater Manchester and to strive to do all that is possible to sustain the fight against hatred, extremism and terrorism.”
