Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed that one of the victims killed in Thursday’s attack at a Manchester synagogue was shot by officers attempting to neutralize the assailant, who was not carrying a firearm.

In a statement on Friday, GMP said, “It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP’s Authorised Firearms Officer. It follows therefore that, subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.”

Police also revealed that one of the injured victims, now receiving hospital treatment, suffered a gunshot wound. Both individuals who were shot were behind the synagogue doors during the incident.

The attack, which occurred on Yom Kippur at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall, saw the assailant ram his car into pedestrians before launching a stabbing spree. He was killed at the scene by police gunfire.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said early evidence from the pathologist suggested that one of the deceased bore a gunshot injury, though investigations remain ongoing.

The assault left two people dead and several others injured, one by stabbing, another struck by the vehicle, and one victim in critical condition.