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A large number of mourners have attended the funeral service for one of the pair of individuals lost in last Thursday's violent incident at the Jewish house of worship in Manchester.

Relatives, congregants from the Heaton Park Synagogue along with the congregation's rabbi, and representatives of the broader Jewish population assembled in Pendlebury, Salford to offer condolences to Melvin Cravitz, aged 66.

Attendees occupied the cemetery forecourt, with many standing beyond the chapel in the rain, hearing the proceedings and the tribute over loudspeakers.

Melvin Cravitz died after an assailant drove a vehicle into and stabbed worshippers coming together for a service to observe the holiest Jewish holiday – the most important observance of the Hebrew calendar – at the Heaton Park Jewish congregation.

'Friendly with everyone'

The rabbi, who assisted in stopping the attacker from entering the house of worship, was present at Mr Cravitz's memorial service.

In a statement issued on Friday, his relatives appealed for privacy and said he would "readily offer support to those in need".

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

"He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food."

Anthony Khan, a mid-thirties neighbor who said he knew Mr Cravitz "all my life", noted: "His amiable nature extended to all, and he never spoke ill of anyone."

Another local, Andy Kordas, a community member, recalled: "Regularly, he would initiate discussions and show interest in my daily life."

"His cheerful demeanor was constant. This situation is truly awful."

'Beloved brother'

Another neighbor, Bilal Ahmad, who said he had lived in the area for two decades, added that Mr Cravitz was a "very nice guy" and "remarkably serene".

"He would always say hello when you came past."

The other victim of the attack, Adrian Daulby, was described as a "hero" by his family in a memorial statement.

They further mentioned the fifty-three-year-old was "a cherished sibling and devoted uncle."

Three more people were taken to hospital with critical conditions.

Authorities recently said two males and two females were still detained after being apprehended on suspicion of terror-related activities.

An 18-year-old woman and a middle-aged male have been released with no additional measures.