MAN CHARGED OVER MANCHESTER SYNAGOGUE ATTACK

Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, aged 49, has been charged with failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity in connection with the attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. Counter Terrorism Policing North West authorised the charge. Hakim, an Iraqi national of St. James Road, Higher Broughton, has been remanded in custody and is to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.

The attack took place on 2 October last year when Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old Syrian-born British citizen, drove into the synagogue gates and then attacked worshippers with a knife whilst wearing a fake suicide belt. Two worshippers, Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, were killed. Three other men were treated in hospital for serious injuries; all three have since been released.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said the charge represents "a significant development" in the investigation and is "the culmination of a substantial amount of meticulous work by the investigation team, supported by the Crown Prosecution Service". Counter Terrorism Policing North West said it remains committed to establishing the full circumstances of the attack and identifying anyone who may have been involved. Bereaved relatives and survivors have been updated and continue to receive support, Potts added.