Heaton Park Synagogue attack: pre-inquest review hearings take place

Pre-inquest review hearings have been held today (26 February 2026) in the inquests into the deaths of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. Mr Cravitz and Mr Daulby died on 2 October 2025 during a terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Synagogue in Greater Manchester.

On 2 October 2025 Jihad Al-Shamie attended the Synagogue, driving a vehicle into a security guard and an external gate and wall. He subsequently attacked worshippers and security staff. Armed police officers were deployed, with the incident being declared a terrorist incident.

The pre-inquest review hearings were before the Chief Coroner of England and Wales, HHJ Alexia Durran. The Chief Coroner heard submissions on various matters, including the identification of interested persons, the scope of the inquests, whether the inquests should be heard together and whether a jury is required.

A separate pre-inquest review into the death of the Jihad Al-Shamie will be held on 27 February 2026.

Samantha Leek KC and Jonathan Dixey are instructed on behalf of Greater Manchester Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North West.