A VICTIM of the synagogue terror attack was celebrated as “a tremendously strong hero” as a big crowd of mourners attended his funeral.
Adrian Daulby, 53, was trying to stop killer Jihad Al-Shamie getting into the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, when he was hit by a stray police bullet on Thursday.
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His bravery was celebrated during a service at Agecroft Jewish Cemetery in Salford yesterday, which had armed police in attendance.
Rabbi Daniel Walker, who had also been in the synagogue during the horror, said in his eulogy: “In that moment of need, that quiet man became a tremendously strong hero.
“I watched him leap from his seat, run to the door. He braced the doors and he held the doors against our attacker.
“Adrian didn’t run away from danger. Adrian ran to help. Adrian was righteous in his passing. Adrian was righteous in his life.
“He was a kind soul, a gentle soul. The most important thing is that we live Adrian’s legacy.
“He was saving the lives of his community. There is none holier, there is none greater, there is none higher. A great, great martyr.”
Neighbours described Adrian, who had survived cancer, as someone who loved animals, nature and gave local Muslim kids presents at Eid.
One of Adrian’s nieces said: “Adrian will be dearly missed. He never deserved what happened to him.
“He died a true hero. We just want you to know how loved you were.”
Melvin Cravitz, 66, also died in the attack, with attacker Al-Shamie, 35, shot dead.
Three men remain in hospital with serious injuries, including a security guard and a Community Security Trust worker.
Counter Terrorism Policing North West is leading the probe into the attack.
Four people arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts are still in custody.
They are two men, aged 30 and 32, and a woman, 61, all arrested in Prestwich, and a 46-year-old woman arrested in Farnworth.
Two people who were arrested were released without charge on Saturday.
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