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

Three additional individuals remain in hospital with severe trauma after the attacker used an automobile into people before stabbing others on the morning of the incident.

The violent incident, which law enforcement has confirmed was a act of terrorism, came on Judaism's holiest day, the most important observance in the Jewish faith.

The attacker, who was fatally shot at the location, was a thirty-five-year-old British citizen of Syrian heritage who was not previously identified to terrorism investigators, as stated by security officials.

Community Response

"Our hearts are broken," Britain's senior Jewish leader stated.

During a conversation on a national radio program, he remarked: "The tragic incident was a devastating impact to us, something which we had been concerned about might happen because of the escalating tensions."

The attack was not only "a profoundly troubling moment" for the British Jewish community "but for all of our society," he continued.

Official Reaction

"Our responsibility is to guarantee our Jewish community, our citizens can live their lives with safety and security," the Home Secretary stated.

"I do not want Jewish citizens in our country to feel compelled to live a smaller Jewish life, that they cannot go about their business and practice their faith and attend their religious centers in freedom," she continued.

The attacker was not identified to counter-terrorism police, she stated to news organizations, and it was "too early" to say if there was a terrorist cell behind the attack.

Ongoing Probe

The criminal probe was "progressing rapidly" and there was an additional law enforcement visibility at religious institutions across the UK.

"Authorities allocate security funding," the minister said, adding: "I think we will have to consider what additional measures we can implement to address rising antisemitism."

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

"My deepest sympathies are with the families of the victims at this incredibly difficult period," the lead investigator stated.

He confirmed that designated family representatives were in communication with families and would maintain assistance through the coronial process.

"Although procedures exist which need compliance, we promise to be considerate of religious traditions and concerns and to guaranteeing that the victims and their relatives' requests are followed," he added, mentioning that the both victims were from the Manchester community.

Medical examinations are taking place on the following day, per authoritative reports.