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Two victims losing their lives in a violent incident on a synagogue in Manchester have been identified by authorities as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.

Three more people are still hospitalized with critical wounds after the assailant rammed a car into individuals before stabbing others on Thursday.

The attack, which police have said was a terrorist incident, occurred on Yom Kippur, the most important observance in the Jewish religious calendar.

The attacker, who was killed by police at the scene, was a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian background who was not on record to terrorism investigators, as stated by government sources.

Community Response

"Our hearts are broken," the UK's Chief Rabbi commented.

In an interview with a national radio program, he stated: "Yesterday's events was a devastating impact to us, something which we had been concerned about might happen because of the escalating tensions."

The attack was not only "a profoundly troubling moment" for Jewish citizens nationwide "but for everyone in our country," he emphasized.

Government Response

"Our responsibility is to ensure our Jewish population, our citizens can live their lives with protection and peace of mind," the Home Secretary declared.

"I do not want the Jewish community in our country to feel compelled to live a smaller Jewish life, that they cannot conduct their affairs and follow their beliefs and attend their religious centers in freedom," she added.

The assailant was not recognized to security services, she stated to news organizations, and it was "too early" to say if there was a terrorist cell behind the attack.

Police Inquiry

The law enforcement inquiry was "continuing at pace" and there was an additional law enforcement visibility at Jewish worship centers across the UK.

"Authorities allocate security funding," the representative commented, adding: "It will be necessary to examine what more we can do to address increasing anti-Jewish sentiment."

Local authorities confirmed they were supporting the families of the two men killed.

"Sincere condolences are with the families of the victims at this incredibly difficult period," a senior police officer expressed.

He confirmed that designated family representatives were in communication with families and would maintain assistance through the investigative procedures.

"Whilst there are processes which require adherence, we promise to be considerate of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to guaranteeing that these men and their loved ones' wishes are followed," he said, mentioning that the two men were from the Manchester community.

Post-mortems are scheduled on the following day, as confirmed by official sources.