🔗 Share this article

A large number of mourners have attended the funeral rites for one of the pair of individuals who were killed Thursday's synagogue attack in Manchester.

Family members, congregants from the Heaton Park Synagogue along with the congregation's rabbi, and members of the Jewish community at large came together in the Pendlebury neighborhood to pay their respects to 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

Mourners crowded the graveside area, with many waiting outside the memorial building in the downpour, hearing the service and the tribute over loudspeakers.

The victim died after an assailant rammed a car into and stabbed worshippers gathering for a ceremony to commemorate the Day of Atonement – the most sacred occasion of the Jewish year – at the Heaton Park Jewish congregation.

'Welcoming to everybody'

Rabbi Walker, who helped to prevent the assailant from gaining access to the religious building, was present at Melvin's burial ceremony.

In a statement released on Friday, his relatives appealed for privacy and said he would "do anything to help anyone".

They commented: "He possessed a gentle, compassionate spirit and consistently engaged with others to build relationships."

"He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food."

Anthony Khan, a thirty-five-year-old neighbour who said he was acquainted with Melvin for decades, remarked: "He greeted everyone warmly and refrained from negative comments about others."

Another neighbour, Andy Kordas, said: "He always used to come over and have a chat and ask me what I was up to."

"He always had a smile on his face. It's just terrible."

'Cherished sibling'

Another neighbor, Bilal Ahmad, who said he had lived in the area for 20 years, added that Melvin was a "wonderful person" and "remarkably serene".

"A friendly hello was his standard response to anyone nearby."

The additional fatality of the assault, Adrian Daulby, aged 53, was referred to as a "brave individual" by his family in a public message.

They also said the fifty-three-year-old was "a beloved brother and loving uncle."

Three other men were transported for medical care with serious injuries.

Authorities on Saturday evening said four individuals continued to be held after being taken into custody on suspicion of terror-related activities.

An teenage female and a middle-aged male have been discharged with no further legal steps.