Police miss chance to examine Manchester synagogue attacker’s phone

The police chief has apologized after admitting phones were taken from Manchester synagogue attackers months before the car and knife attack.

Jihad al-Shami, 35, was on bail for the rape of the Heaton Park Synagogue in Kremsall on October 2, 2025, in which two Jews were killed.

The devices, which contained evidence of his extremist views, were not analyzed after his arrest in February and September.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said: “I am deeply saddened that the information contained in these devices would have prompted further investigative action.”

Sir Stephens said: “During an internal review, it became clear that GMP had seized al-Shami’s mobile devices in each case.

“The importance of the information content of these devices was great in terms of demonstrating radical thinking.

“I am sorry to add to the distress of all those affected by the terrible events of last October.

“For this, I am very sorry.”

The apology came later. The sentencing of Mohammed Bashir, who plotted with al-Shami to carry out a separate attack on the UK Defense Academy in Shrivenham..

In the case at Manchester Crown Court, details emerged of the pair discussing their extremist views on WhatsApp chats, including preparations for “war”.

Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is investigating “all contacts between Greater Manchester Police and Jihad al-Shami prior to the terrorist attack on 2 October 2025”.

A spokesman for the police watchdog said that this includes actions taken by the police to respond to reports of crimes.

An officer is under investigation by the IOPC over allegations of rape and other sexual offenses against Al-Shami.

“This does not necessarily mean that disciplinary procedures will be followed. This decision will be made when the investigation is completed,” said the spokesperson.