The Syrian attacker in a British synagogue belonged to Islamic State

The attacker who attacked a synagogue in northern England last week called the police shortly before the attack and stated that he was acting on behalf of Islamic State.

Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British man of Syrian origin, drove his car into a group of pedestrians and then attacked worshippers at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall with a knife.

Armed police shot him dead at the scene and later admitted that they had accidentally killed one of the victims during the operation. According to the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, Al-Shamie pledged allegiance to Islamic State during the attack.

Although he was not being monitored as a terrorist threat, he had a criminal history and had recently been released on bail after being arrested for rape.

According to the head of the counterterrorism police, Laurence Taylor, Al-Shamie was likely radicalized, but the circumstances are still under investigation.

(reuters, mja)