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Two individuals losing their lives in an attack on a religious center in Manchester have been identified by law enforcement as 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, and 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

Three additional individuals remain in hospital with serious injuries after the assailant drove a vehicle into people before stabbing others on the morning of the incident.

The attack, which law enforcement has confirmed was a terrorist incident, took place during the Day of Atonement, the most sacred occasion in the Jewish tradition.

The attacker, who was killed by police at the scene, was a 35-year-old UK national of Syrian heritage who was not previously identified to counter-terrorism authorities, per government sources.

Public Reaction

"Right now our hearts are shattered," the nation's top rabbinical authority declared.

During a conversation on a major broadcast, he said: "Yesterday's events 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 Jewish citizens nationwide "but for everyone in our country," he continued.

Government Response

"The government's duty is to guarantee our Jewish population, our residents can live their lives with security and assurance," a senior government official declared.

"It is unacceptable that the Jewish community in our country to feel compelled to live a limited religious practice, that they cannot go about their business and observe their religion and attend their religious centers in freedom," she stated.

The assailant was not identified to security services, she told news organizations, and it was "too early" to say if there was a organized group behind the attack.

Ongoing Probe

The law enforcement inquiry was "moving forward quickly" and there was an increased police presence at religious institutions across the UK.

"Authorities allocate protective measures," the minister commented, adding: "We must evaluate what additional measures we can implement to combat increasing anti-Jewish sentiment."

Law enforcement officials said they were supporting the families of the two deceased individuals.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of the victims at this profoundly challenging moment," law enforcement leadership declared.

He indicated that specialized support personnel were in communication with families and would provide ongoing help through the official inquiries.

"While protocols must be followed which need compliance, we commit to being mindful of community customs and sensitivities and to making certain that the deceased and their loved ones' wishes are respected," he said, noting that the both victims were from the Manchester community.

Post-mortems are taking place on the following day, as confirmed by official sources.