Jihad Al-Shamie, the mastermind of the attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester that left two dead and three others injured, pledged allegiance to Islamic State, say UK police.

UK’s Counter Terrorism Policing North West disclosed Mr Al-Shamie’s allegiance in a statement on Wednesday.

“He also pledged allegiance to Islamic State,” the police said, adding Mr “Al Shamie called 999 claiming responsibility for the attack.”

According to police, “We have been told from witness accounts that a man, now confirmed to be Jihad Al Shamie, was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before he was confronted by security. This was not reported to police because the man walked away when challenged.”

The police said its Counter Terrorism officers “have arrested and interviewed six people at length. Two of those individuals were released without charge on Sunday evening and we have further releases planned for today. This does not mean our investigation has concluded.”

Mr Al-Shamie, 35, who was shot dead by the police after he rammed his car into people and followed it up by stabbing those in sight, was earlier identified as a British citizen of Syrian descent.

According to UK authorities, Mr Al-Shamie came into the UK as a young child and was granted British citizenship in 2006 as a minor.

Greater Manchester Police identified the two people killed in the attack as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both from Crumpsall.