Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson has issued an apology after admitting that mobile devices seized from the Manchester synagogue attacker months before the deadly assault were not examined. Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was on bail for an alleged rape when he carried out the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue on October 2, 2025, an incident that resulted in the deaths of two Jewish men.
Al-Shamie's devices, which reportedly contained evidence of his extremist views, were seized during arrests in February and September of 2025 but were not analyzed. Sir Stephen Watson stated he was "deeply sorry" for the oversight, conceding that "the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action."
"In conducting an internal review, it became apparent that GMP had seized Al-Shamie's mobile devices, at the point of each arrest," Sir Stephen said. "The significance of the data contents of these devices was substantial in respect of evidencing an extremist mindset. I am disappointed at the prospect of adding to the distress of all of those affected by the terrible events last October. For this, I am deeply sorry."
The apology followed the sentencing of Mohammad Bashir, who had plotted a separate attack on the UK's Defence Academy in Shrivenham with Al-Shamie. Details revealed in Manchester Crown Court indicated that the pair had been discussing their extremist views in WhatsApp chats, including preparations for a "war."
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is investigating all previous contact between Greater Manchester Police and Jihad Al-Shamie prior to the terror attack. A spokesperson for the police watchdog stated that this includes the actions taken by police in response to reports of crimes committed by Al-Shamie. One officer is under investigation by the IOPC for potential misconduct concerning their handling of allegations of rape and other sexual offenses against Al-Shamie. The IOPC noted that this investigation does not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings will follow, with a decision to be made upon its conclusion.