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Two men killed in a violent incident on a synagogue in Manchester have been named by law enforcement as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.

Three more people continue receiving medical care with serious injuries after the attacker drove a vehicle into people before stabbing others on Thursday morning.

The assault, which police have said was a terror-related event, took place during Yom Kippur, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish religious calendar.

The attacker, who was fatally shot at the location, was a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian background who was not previously known to counter-terrorism authorities, per official statements.

Official Statements

"Right now our hearts are shattered," the UK's Chief Rabbi stated.

In an interview with a national radio program, he said: "What transpired yesterday was an awful blow to us, something which we had been concerned about might happen because of the preceding circumstances."

The attack was not only "a very dark time" for Jewish citizens nationwide "but for all of our society," he continued.

Official Reaction

"Our obligation is to guarantee our Jewish citizens, our people can conduct their daily activities with protection and peace of mind," a senior government official announced.

"I do not want the Jewish community in our country to believe they must live a limited religious practice, that they cannot conduct their affairs and follow their beliefs and attend their religious centers in freedom," she continued.

The attacker was not identified to terrorism investigators, she stated to media outlets, and it was "too early" to say if there was a terror network behind the attack.

Investigation Update

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

"Funding is available for safety resources," the representative commented, adding: "It will be necessary to examine what more we can do to combat increasing anti-Jewish sentiment."

Greater Manchester police confirmed they were assisting the relatives of the two victims.

"My deepest sympathies are with those affected by this tragedy at this extremely hard time," the lead investigator stated.

He indicated that designated family representatives were in communication with families and would continue to support them through the investigative procedures.

"Although procedures exist which need compliance, we promise to be considerate of religious traditions and sensitivities and to making certain that the victims and their loved ones' wishes are followed," he added, noting that the deceased individuals were from the local area.

Autopsies are scheduled on the next day, according to authoritative reports.