Manchester synagogue security guard who stopped killer 'would do anything to help anyone'

Tributes have been paid to Melvin Cravitz, the security guard who was killed after stopping terrorist Jihad al Shamie from entering the Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue. Specialist police officers are now helping to support his family as they grieve his death after it's believed he was stabbed to death by the attacker at the gate of the synagogue, reports The Guardian.

In a moving statement, the family said: "Melvin would do anything to help anyone. He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people. He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food. He will be sorely missed by his wife, family, friends and community. We ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with this shocking loss."

Mr Cravitz was a popular memeber of his local community, with many paying their own tributes to the 66-year-old.

"He was a lovely person. Always with a joke, always making a smile," Elchonon Cohen told the Daily Telegraph.

"He was very beloved. He was a figure round here. If you saw Melvin you stopped and talked," added his wife, Hindi Cohen. "He had health issues, but he was always with a joke and a smile."

The horrific attack unfolded early on Thursday, as worshippers gathered to celebrate Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. As people made their way to the synagogue, they saw a small black car being driven erratically before it crashed into the gates.

Within seconds the attacker - Jihad al Shamie - jumped out of the vehicle, dressed all in black, and started stabbing those nearby. Six minutes later, he lay prone on the ground after being shot by armed officers. Terrified passers-by could see three white objects strapped to his waist, and thought it was a bomb.

Al Shamie suddenly tried to sit up, prompting a witness to shout "Shoot him!". Whereupon a police officer fired off another round, killing the terrorist.

Fran Barrie, 75, was in her apartment overlooking the synagogue when she heard the sound of chaos. She told The Guardian: "At about half nine I heard this big bang and that's when it all happened. There was about four loud noises.

"It might have been the police shooting at the guy but about 15 minutes later there was armed police, fire engines, everything."