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Two men losing their lives in an assault on a religious center in Manchester have been named by law enforcement as Adrian Daulby, 53, and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

Three additional individuals remain in hospital with serious injuries after the assailant used an automobile into pedestrians before using a bladed weapon on Thursday morning.

The attack, which police have said was a act of terrorism, took place during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish tradition.

The perpetrator, who was killed by police at the scene, was a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian heritage who was not previously known 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 prominent media outlet, he stated: "Yesterday's events was an awful blow to us, something which we had apprehensions regarding might happen because of the preceding circumstances."

The attack was not only "a very dark time" for Jews in Britain "but for everyone in our country," he emphasized.

Government Response

"Our responsibility is to ensure our Jewish citizens, our citizens can live their lives with security and assurance," the Home Secretary declared.

"I do not want Jewish people in our country to believe they must live a reduced Jewish identity, that they cannot go about their business and follow their beliefs and go to their communal institutions in liberty," she added.

The assailant was not recognized to security services, she told news organizations, and it was "too early" to say if there was a organized group behind the attack.

Investigation Update

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

"Funding is available for protective measures," the minister stated, adding: "I think we will have to consider what further actions we can take to deal with growing religious prejudice."

Law enforcement officials announced they were supporting the families of the two men killed.

"Sincere condolences are with those affected by this tragedy at this profoundly challenging moment," the lead investigator declared.

He said that designated family representatives were in touch with relatives and would maintain assistance through the coronial process.

"Whilst there are processes which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of community customs and sensitivities and to making certain that the victims and their loved ones' wishes are respected," he added, stating that the deceased individuals were from Crumpsall.

Medical examinations are being conducted on the next day, per government statements.