In a statement Greater Manchester Police confirmed that, although formal identification is yet to take place, they believe the person responsible for Thursday’s attack is 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie.
According to the force he is "a British citizen of Syrian descent".
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that according to their records, Jihad Al-Shamie had no previous Prevent referrals – that means authorities were not aware that he was at risk of becoming involved with terrorism through radicalisation.
The Prime Minister has vowed to do "everything in his power" to guarantee security for Britain’s Jewish communities, following a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester.
Speaking after he chaired a Cobra cabinet meeting in Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer expressed solidarity and sadness with those who live in fear and said Britain "must defeat rising antisemitism".
He said: "I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security you deserve starting with a more visible police presence protecting your community."
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