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Two individuals losing their lives in an assault on a synagogue in Manchester have been named by authorities as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.

Three others continue receiving medical care with critical wounds after the attacker drove a vehicle into pedestrians before attacking with a knife on the morning of the incident.

The violent incident, which police have said was a act of terrorism, came on Yom Kippur, the most important observance in the Jewish religious calendar.

The attacker, who was shot dead at the location, was a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian heritage who was not previously known to terrorism investigators, per security officials.

Official Statements

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

Speaking to a prominent media outlet, he stated: "Yesterday's events was a terrible shock to us, something which we had been concerned about might happen because of the build up."

The attack was not only "a profoundly troubling moment" for Jews in Britain "but for all of our society," he added.

Official Reaction

"Our obligation is to make sure our Jewish community, our people can live their lives with protection and peace of mind," a cabinet minister announced.

"It is unacceptable that Jewish people in our country to feel compelled to live a reduced Jewish identity, that they cannot conduct their affairs and follow their beliefs and attend their religious centers in freedom," she stated.

The attacker was not identified to terrorism investigators, she told news organizations, and it was "premature" to say if there was a organized group behind the attack.

Ongoing Probe

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

"Funding is available for security funding," the official stated, adding: "I think we will have to consider what further actions we can take to combat increasing anti-Jewish sentiment."

Local authorities announced they were providing help to loved ones of the two deceased individuals.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of the victims at this extremely hard time," law enforcement leadership expressed.

He indicated that designated family representatives were in contact with them and would continue to support them through the coronial process.

"While protocols must be followed which need compliance, we promise to be considerate of religious traditions and sensitivities and to ensuring that the victims and their relatives' requests are followed," he added, stating that the two men were from Crumpsall.

Medical examinations are taking place on the following day, as confirmed by authoritative reports.