A man living in Salford has been charged with failing to disclose information in relation to the terror attack on the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester.
Counter terrorism police said Iraqi national Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, 49, of St James Road, Higher Broughton, has been charged with failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity.
He has been remanded in custody to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, the force confirmed.
Worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed after Jihad Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, drove his Kia Picanto into the gates of the synagogue and then began attacking with a knife, wearing a fake suicide belt.
Terrorist Al-Shamie made a call to the police during the attack, where he pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
The 35-year-old perpetrator was then shot dead by armed police.
Three other men were treated in hospital for serious injuries following the attack, which led to Salford Royal Hospital being temporarily locked down and saw the police presence in Jewish communities across Salford being stepped up.
Both men were laid to rest in Salford with Daulby – described as a “hero” who attempted to barricade the synagogue door and protect worshippers from the attack – buried at Agecroft Jewish Cemetery.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, was honoured at a funeral service in Pendlebury.
It was the first fatal antisemitic terror attack in the UK since the Community Security Trust, a British charity which provides security and advice to the Jewish community in the UK, began recording incidents in 1984.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: “This charge is directly related to the terrorist attack which took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue last October.
“This is a significant development in our investigation, and my thoughts are with all those affected by the attack, particularly the bereaved loved ones and survivors.
“We have updated them and continue to offer them as much support as possible.
“Since the attack took place, we have been unwavering in our commitment to establishing the full picture behind the incident and identifying anybody who may have been involved in any way.
“The charge that has been authorised is the culmination of a substantial amount of meticulous work by the investigation team, supported by the Crown Prosecution Service, and I hope this update reaffirms that commitment.”
