A second suspect has been arrested following an incident at Manchester Central Mosque where a man allegedly entered with an axe and a knife. Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Thursday that a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a section 18 assault.
Police were called to the mosque in Rusholme at 8.40pm on Tuesday after reports of a man carrying an offensive weapon. A white man in his 40s was apprehended at the scene on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs. Witnesses reported that worshippers used a fire extinguisher to restrain him.
No injuries were reported, but over 5,000 worshippers performing Taraweeh prayers for Ramadan had to evacuate. Police said they do not believe there is a wider threat and are not seeking further suspects.
Assistant Chief Constable John Webster stated that the investigation is progressing quickly, with detectives interviewing the second suspect. The mosque's president, Hammad Khan, noted a rise in hate mail and threats, calling for increased police presence around mosques during Ramadan.
Keir Starmer expressed concern, acknowledging the worrying nature of the incident for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan.
