Police were summoned to Manchester Central mosque in Rusholme after an axe was discovered in the bag of a man who had entered the premises during evening prayers. The incident occurred on Tuesday, prompting a swift response from law enforcement authorities.
Charges Filed Against Suspect
Darren Connor, aged 55, has been formally charged with possession of an offensive weapon following his arrest at the mosque. Additionally, Connor faces a charge for possession of class B drugs. He is scheduled to appear before Manchester and Salford magistrates court on the morning of 27 February.
Details of the Mosque Incident
Hamad Khan, the chair of Manchester Central mosque, reported that a man wearing a hi-vis jacket entered the building at approximately 8.30pm on Tuesday. At the time, around 1,500 individuals were engaged in Ramadan prayers. Upon noticing suspicious behavior, mosque officials escorted the man to an office, where an axe was subsequently spotted in his bag, leading to an immediate call to the police.
Greater Manchester police have confirmed that while they consulted with counter-terrorism policing north-west, the event has not been classified as a potential terrorist incident. This assessment provides some reassurance to the local community amidst heightened concerns.
Second Individual Involved
A second man who was also present at the scene has not been charged in connection with the axe incident. However, he has been charged with an unrelated breach of a criminal behaviour order, indicating separate legal proceedings are underway.
Police Response and Community Reassurance
In the aftermath, John Webster, an assistant chief constable at Greater Manchester Police, emphasized the importance of safety during religious observances. "This is a time where Muslims come together to observe Ramadan. They should feel safe in their place of worship," he stated.
Webster further noted that police are implementing increased patrols and security measures around places of worship, particularly during religious festivals like Ramadan. Officers have been placed on 12-hour shifts to enhance visibility and provide reassurance to the Muslim community in the short term.
The proactive steps by law enforcement aim to prevent similar occurrences and maintain public trust. The incident underscores ongoing efforts to balance security with the sanctity of religious spaces, especially during sensitive periods.
