In an update given this evening the head of Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed that 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie did have a criminal history which included a recent arrest for rape, which resulted in him being bailed.
Police also believe Al-Shamie may have been influenced by extreme Islamist ideology.
“Establishing the full circumstances of the attack is likely to take some time.”
Laurence Taylor has also given more details about the case which includes the news that police havearrested three further people, one man and two women, aged between 18 and mid-40s.
This brings the number of people in custody arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism to six.
“We will be seeking warrants of further detention for all six individuals and will seek to issue an update on this later.” said Taylor
He also confirmed that prior to the attack witness accounts say that a man was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before he was confronted by security and walked away.
”Based on the information we have at this time, we don’t believe this was reported to Greater Manchester Police because the man had left the area. “
