A police chief has apologised after admitting phones were seized from the Manchester synagogue attacker months before the car and knife assault but they were not examined.
Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was on bail for an alleged rape when he carried out the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall on 2 October 2025, in which two Jewish men were killed.
His devices, which contained evidence of his extreme views, were seized after he was arrested in February and September but not analysed.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said he was “deeply sorry”, conceding that “the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action”.
Sir Stephen said: “In conducting an internal review, it became apparent that GMP had seized Al-Shamie’s mobile devices, at the point of each arrest.
“The significance of the data contents of these devices was substantial in respect of evidencing an extremist mindset.
“I am disappointed at the prospect of adding to the distress of all of those affected by the terrible events last October.
“For this, I am deeply sorry.”
The apology came after the sentencing of Mohammad Bashir, who plotted a separate attack on the UK’s Defence Academy in Shrivenham with Al-Shamie.
Details emerged in the case at Manchester Crown Court that the pair had been discussing their extremist views in WhatsApp chats, including preparing for a “war”.
Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it was investigating “all previous contact between Greater Manchester Police and Jihad Al-Shamie prior to the terror attack on 2 October 2025”.
A spokesperson for the police watchdog said this included the actions taken by police in response to reports of crimes committed by him.
One officer is under investigation by the IOPC for potential misconduct in relation to their handling of allegations of rape and other sexual offences against Al-Shamie.
“This does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow. This decision will be made on conclusion of the investigation,” the spokesperson said.
