Manchester synagogue attack: First terror charge issued

Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, a 49-year-old Iraqi national, has been charged in connection with the terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester. Hakim faces a charge under Section 38B of the Terrorism Act 2000 for failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity.

The attack occurred on 2 October last year, when Jihad Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born British citizen, drove into the synagogue gates and attacked worshippers with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt. The incident resulted in the deaths of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, and left three other men with serious injuries.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of Counter Terrorism Policing North West described the charge as a “significant development” and a milestone in the investigation. Police have arrested at least eight people in connection with the attack. Hakim has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.