One of the victims of the Manchester synagogue terror attack died after apparently being injured by a police gunshot, police say.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said full post-mortem examinations are scheduled for later today.

He said: “The Home Office Pathologist has advised that he has provisionally determined, that one of the deceased victims would appear to have suffered a wound consistent with a gunshot injury.

“It is currently believed that the suspect, Jihad Al-Shamie, was not in possession of a firearm and the only shots fired were from GMP’s Authorised Firearms Officers as they worked to prevent the offender from entering the synagogue and causing further harm to our Jewish community.

“It follows therefore, that subject to further forensic examination, this injury may sadly have been sustained as a tragic and unforeseen consequence of the urgently required action taken by my officers to bring this vicious attack to an end.

“We have also been advised by medical professionals that one of the three victims currently receiving treatment in hospital, has also suffered a gunshot wound, which is mercifully not life-threatening.

“It is believed that both victims were close together behind the synagogue door, as worshippers acted bravely to prevent the attacker from gaining entry.”

The family of the suspect in the attack, who has been named as Jihad Al-Shamie, have now released a statement in the last few minutes, condemning the act.

"The news from Manchester regarding the terrorist attack targeting a Jewish synagogue has been a profound shock to us," the statement reported by Reuters reads. 

Recommended reading:

"The Al-Shamie family in the UK and abroad strongly condemns this heinous act, which targeted peaceful, innocent civilians."

"We fully distance ourselves from this attack and express our deep shock and sorrow over what has happened," the suspect's relatives wrote on social media. 

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we pray for their strength and comfort." 

The family also asked media outlets to "respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time and refrain from using this tragic event in any context that does not reflect the truth".

They add that they pray for the swift recovery of any injured victims.

The statement is signed by "Faraj Al-Shamie, The Al-Shamie Family UK and Abroad".