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

Three additional individuals continue receiving medical care with severe trauma after the attacker used an automobile into pedestrians before attacking with a knife on the morning of the incident.

The attack, which authorities have declared was a terrorist incident, occurred on Judaism's holiest day, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish religious calendar.

The perpetrator, who was killed by police at the scene, was a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian descent who was not previously known to counter terrorism police, as stated by security officials.

Community Response

"We are devastated," the UK's Chief Rabbi commented.

In an interview with a major broadcast, he said: "What transpired yesterday was a devastating impact to us, something which we had apprehensions regarding might happen because of the escalating tensions."

The attack was not only "a very dark time" for the British Jewish community "but for the entire nation," he continued.

Government Response

"Our responsibility is to ensure our Jewish community, our people can conduct their daily activities with protection and peace of mind," the Home Secretary announced.

"It is unacceptable that Jewish people in our country to feel like they have to live a reduced Jewish identity, that they cannot go about their business and observe their religion and go to their communal institutions in liberty," she stated.

The assailant was not known to terrorism investigators, she told broadcasters, and it was "not yet possible" to say if there was a terror network behind the attack.

Investigation Update

The criminal probe was "continuing at pace" and there was an enhanced security deployment at religious institutions across the UK.

"Funding is available for safety resources," the representative said, adding: "I think we will have to consider what more we can do to combat increasing anti-Jewish sentiment."

Greater Manchester police said they were supporting the families of the two men killed.

"My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz's loved ones at this incredibly difficult period," a senior police officer declared.

He confirmed that trained family liaison officers were in communication with families and would maintain assistance through the official inquiries.

"Although procedures exist which need compliance, we pledge to remain sensitive of religious traditions and concerns and to making certain that these men and their families' preferences are honored," he said, noting that the deceased individuals were from the local area.

Autopsies are being conducted on Friday, per official sources.