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

Three more people continue receiving medical care with severe trauma after the attacker rammed a car into individuals before stabbing others on Thursday.

The attack, which authorities have declared was a terrorist incident, came on Yom Kippur, the most important observance in the Jewish faith.

The assailant, who was killed by police at the scene, was a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian background who was not previously identified to counter terrorism police, as stated by security officials.

Community Response

"Right now our hearts are shattered," Britain's senior Jewish leader commented.

During a conversation on a prominent media outlet, he said: "Yesterday's events 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 all of our society," he continued.

Government Response

"Our responsibility is to ensure our Jewish population, our citizens can live their lives with security and assurance," the Home Secretary stated.

"We cannot allow Jewish citizens in our country to believe they must live a reduced Jewish identity, that they cannot pursue their activities and observe their religion and go to their communal institutions in liberty," she stated.

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

Investigation Update

The police investigation was "moving forward quickly" and there was an additional law enforcement visibility at religious institutions across the UK.

"Authorities allocate security funding," the representative stated, adding: "I think we will have to consider what additional measures we can implement to combat growing religious prejudice."

Local authorities said they were supporting the families of the two victims.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with those affected by this tragedy at this profoundly challenging moment," a senior police officer stated.

He confirmed that specialized support personnel were in contact with them and would provide ongoing help through the investigative procedures.

"While protocols must be followed which must be followed, we promise to be considerate of religious traditions and concerns and to ensuring that the deceased and their relatives' requests are honored," he said, noting that the two men were from the local area.

Autopsies are being conducted on the next day, as confirmed by government statements.