From Sky News
The Manchester synagogue terrorist made a call to police during the attack where he pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State, police say.
In a statement, Counter Terrorism Policing North West said that minutes after the first call was made during the attack, al Shamie called 999 himself
The force said that during the call, he claimed responsibility for the attack and “pledged allegiance to Islamic State”.
Adrian Daulby, 53, is believed to have been shot dead by police while attempting to prevent al Shamie entering the synagogue. He was killed together with Melvin Cravitz, 66, from Crumpsall, a worshipper who helped prevent the attacker from getting into the premises.
No misconduct was found to be apparent in the police response, which Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson welcomed. He said: “I welcome this continued support and acknowledge the fact that the IOPC have today confirmed their finding that no misconduct is apparent in the actions required of our officers in bringing this dreadful attack to an end.”
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said that since the attack, counter-terror police have arrested and interviewed six people. He said two were released without charge over the weekend, and the remaining four were released without charge on Wednesday, before adding “this does not mean our investigation has concluded”.
“At this stage of our investigation,” he added, “we are more confident that he was influenced by extreme Islamist ideology,” before noting that the 999 call “forms part of this assessment”.
