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Two men fatally injured in an assault on a religious center in Manchester have been identified by law enforcement as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

Three more people are still hospitalized with critical wounds after the attacker rammed a car into individuals before using a bladed weapon on Thursday.

The violent incident, which police have said was a terror-related event, took place during Yom Kippur, the most important observance in the Jewish religious calendar.

The assailant, who was killed by police at the scene, was a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian heritage who was not previously known to counter terrorism police, per security officials.

Community Response

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

During a conversation on a major broadcast, he remarked: "The tragic incident was a devastating impact to us, something which actually we were fearing might happen because of the build up."

The attack was not only "a very dark time" for Jewish citizens nationwide "but for all of our society," he continued.

Security Measures

"Our obligation is to make sure our Jewish community, our people can live their lives with safety and security," a senior government official declared.

"It is unacceptable that Jewish people in our country to feel compelled to live a smaller Jewish life, that they cannot go about their business and follow their beliefs and attend their religious centers in liberty," she stated.

The perpetrator was not identified to terrorism investigators, she stated to broadcasters, and it was "not yet possible" to say if there was a organized group behind the attack.

Investigation Update

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

"Authorities allocate safety resources," the minister stated, adding: "We must evaluate what additional measures we can implement to combat rising antisemitism."

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

"Our heartfelt condolences are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz's loved ones at this extremely hard time," the lead investigator declared.

He confirmed that designated family representatives were in touch with relatives and would provide ongoing help through the investigative procedures.

"Whilst there are processes which require adherence, we pledge to remain sensitive of community customs and needs and to making certain that the deceased and their relatives' requests are followed," he said, mentioning that the two men were from the local area.

Autopsies are scheduled on the next day, according to official sources.