The family of Adrian Daulby have paid tribute to their "hero" relative who died while trying to stop a terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue. Daulby was accidentally shot dead by armed police as he attempted to prevent the attacker from entering Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Thursday.
His family said Daulby "was a hero and tragically lost his life in the act of courage to save others, he was a beloved brother, loving uncle to his four nieces and one nephew and a cherished cousin". They described being "shocked by the tragic, sudden death of such a lovely down to earth man" and said "his final act was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered for his heroic act on Thursday 2 October 2025".
Daulby was one of two men killed during the car and knife attack carried out by Jihad Al-Shamie outside the synagogue in Crumpsall. Fellow victim Melvin Cravitz also died in the incident on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Vigil confrontation
Justice Secretary David Lammy faced hostile scenes during a vigil for the victims on Friday, with attendees shouting "you have blood on your hands" and "shame on you". Some called for him to "go to Palestine, leave us alone" as he attempted to address the crowd.
Lammy responded by saying "that is why we stand in defiance of those terrorists who seek to divide us". One man could be heard shouting "you enabled it, every Saturday" during the heated exchange.
Rabbi Daniel Walker from the synagogue paid tribute to "one of the heroes" who remains in hospital recovering from "terrible wounds". He thanked the man alongside two others who "blocked the terrorist" with their bodies, adding: "We also remember Adrian and Melvin, truly wonderful, special men whose lives were so truly snatched from them as they tried to pray as Jews on the holiest day of the year on Yom Kippur."
Police shooting details
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson provided details about the police response, explaining that both victims who were shot were "close together behind the synagogue door as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry". Armed police accidentally shot Daulby and another member of the public while attempting to stop Al-Shamie from entering the building.
Watson said one victim died from "a wound consistent with a gunshot injury" and described the armed police response as "urgently required… to bring this vicious attack to an end". The other person shot by police suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Al-Shamie was reportedly on police bail for an alleged rape when he carried out the attack. One of the victims worked for the Community Security Trust, a charity providing security to the Jewish community.
Police remain unable to establish a conclusive motive for the attack. The incident occurred as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur services at the synagogue.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
