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Hundreds of attendees were present at the memorial ceremony for one of the two men lost in last Thursday's synagogue attack in Manchester.

Family members, members from the Heaton Park Synagogue including the congregation's rabbi, and representatives of the wider Jewish community gathered in Pendlebury, Salford to offer condolences to 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz.

Those present occupied the cemetery forecourt, with many waiting outside the chapel in the wet weather, following the ceremony and the tribute over audio systems.

Melvin Cravitz died after an assailant drove a vehicle into and assaulted attendees assembling for a service to observe the holiest Jewish holiday – the holiest day of the Jewish year – at Heaton Park Synagogue.

'Welcoming to everybody'

The rabbi, who played a role in halting the assailant from entering the religious building, was one of those at Mr Cravitz's burial ceremony.

In a memorial message shared on Friday, his relatives requested space and said he would "always assist others".

They said: "He possessed a gentle, compassionate spirit and consistently engaged with others to build relationships."

"His dedication to his spouse and relatives was unwavering, and he had a passion for culinary delights."

Anthony Khan, a 35-year-old local who said he had known the victim since childhood, said: "He was friendly with everybody – he did not have a bad word with anybody."

Another local, Andy Kordas, stated: "He frequently approached for conversation and inquired about my activities."

"A smile was ever-present on his countenance. This tragedy is heartbreaking."

'Adored family member'

Another neighbor, Bilal Ahmad, who said he had resided locally for two decades, remarked that the victim was a "very nice guy" and "very calm".

"A friendly hello was his standard response to anyone nearby."

The additional fatality of the assault, Adrian Daulby, aged 53, was referred to as a "courageous person" by his relatives in a tribute.

They also said the 53-year-old was "an adored family member and caring uncle."

Three other men were admitted to the hospital with serious injuries.

Law enforcement on Saturday evening said four individuals were still detained after being apprehended on charges related to terror-related activities.

An 18-year-old woman and a middle-aged male have been discharged with no further action.