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Two men fatally injured in an attack on a religious center in Manchester have been named by authorities as Adrian Daulby, aged 53, and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

Three others remain in hospital with severe trauma after the assailant drove a vehicle into pedestrians before stabbing others on Thursday morning.

The attack, which authorities have declared was a terror-related event, occurred on the Day of Atonement, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish faith.

The assailant, who was fatally shot at the site, was a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian descent who was not on record to counter-terrorism authorities, per security officials.

Public Reaction

"Our hearts are broken," Britain's senior Jewish leader declared.

Speaking to a national radio program, he remarked: "What transpired yesterday was an awful blow to us, something which we had apprehensions regarding might happen because of the escalating tensions."

The attack was not only "a profoundly troubling moment" for Jewish citizens nationwide "but for the entire nation," he added.

Government Response

"The government's duty is to make sure our Jewish citizens, our people can live their lives with security and assurance," a cabinet minister stated.

"We cannot allow the Jewish community in our country to believe they must live a smaller Jewish life, that they cannot pursue their activities and observe their religion and attend their religious centers in freedom," she added.

The perpetrator was not identified to counter-terrorism police, she informed media outlets, and it was "premature" to say if there was a terrorist cell behind the attack.

Investigation Update

The police investigation was "progressing rapidly" and there was an enhanced security deployment at Jewish worship centers across the UK.

"Funding is available for safety resources," the official said, adding: "We must evaluate what more we can do to deal with rising antisemitism."

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

"My deepest sympathies are with those affected by this tragedy at this incredibly difficult period," a senior police officer expressed.

He said that trained family liaison officers were in communication with families and would continue to support them through the coronial process.

"Although procedures exist which require adherence, we promise to be considerate of religious traditions and concerns and to ensuring that the deceased and their families' preferences are honored," he said, mentioning that the deceased individuals were from the local area.

Post-mortems are taking place on the next day, according to authoritative reports.