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Two men fatally injured in an attack on a religious center in Manchester have been revealed by law enforcement as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and Melvin Cravitz, aged 66.

Three additional individuals are still hospitalized with critical wounds after the assailant drove a vehicle into people before attacking with a knife on Thursday.

The assault, which police have said was a terrorist incident, took place during the Day of Atonement, the most important observance in the Jewish faith.

The perpetrator, who was killed by police at the location, was a thirty-five-year-old UK national of Syrian background who was not previously identified to terrorism investigators, according to security officials.

Public Reaction

"We are devastated," the nation's top rabbinical authority declared.

Speaking to a national radio program, he said: "The tragic incident was a terrible shock to us, something which we had apprehensions regarding might happen because of the escalating tensions."

The attack was not only "an extremely difficult period" for Jews in Britain "but for everyone in our country," he continued.

Official Reaction

"Our obligation is to ensure our Jewish citizens, our citizens can conduct their daily activities with safety and security," a senior government official declared.

"It is unacceptable that the Jewish community in our country to feel compelled to live a smaller Jewish life, that they cannot pursue their activities and observe their religion and go to their communal institutions in liberty," she added.

The attacker was not identified to counter-terrorism police, she told broadcasters, and it was "too early" to say if there was a organized group behind the attack.

Police Inquiry

The police investigation was "moving forward quickly" and there was an increased police presence at Jewish worship centers across the UK.

"The government does provide security funding," the representative said, adding: "It will be necessary to examine what more we can do to combat growing religious prejudice."

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

"Sincere condolences are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz's loved ones at this incredibly difficult period," a senior police officer stated.

He said that specialized support personnel were in communication with families and would continue to support them through the official inquiries.

"While protocols must be followed which need compliance, we pledge to remain sensitive of religious traditions and concerns and to making certain that these men and their relatives' requests are followed," he said, stating that the both victims were from the Manchester community.

Post-mortems are taking place on Friday, as confirmed by government statements.