Manchester Mosque Demands Enhanced Police Protection Following Disturbing Armed Intrusion
The chairman of Manchester Central Mosque has urgently called for a bolstered police presence in the wake of what the Prime Minister described as a "concerning" incident, where an armed individual entered the mosque during Ramadan prayers. Hammad Khan made this plea after the arrest of a white man in his 50s, who was apprehended while wearing high-visibility clothing and carrying an axe, a knife, and a hammer.
Police Investigation Underway with Counter-Terrorism Collaboration
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that, while they are collaborating with Counter Terrorism Police to probe the event, it has not been officially classified as a terrorist incident. The suspect remains in custody on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs. Authorities are also searching for a second individual, described as a black male, who is believed to have accompanied the suspect but departed before police arrived at the scene.
According to Mr. Khan, mosque volunteers managed to engage the suspect in conversation to prevent escalation until law enforcement officers arrived. One witness reported hearing the man shout, "I'm not a terrorist!" as he was taken into custody. Mr. Khan noted that the suspect appeared "very calm" and had been observed visiting the mosque in the Victoria Park area of south Manchester on previous occasions.
Details of the Incident and Community Concerns
The incident unfolded around 8:30 PM on Tuesday, when approximately 1,500 worshippers were engaged in Ramadan prayers. Volunteers noticed an axe in the man's bag and promptly escorted him to an office before contacting the police. In addition to the weapons, the suspect was found with "other materials" related to the Second World War and some newspaper cuttings.
Mr. Khan expressed disappointment over the lack of a visible police presence, emphasizing that he had previously requested increased security measures prior to Ramadan due to a rise in hate mail and threats targeting the mosque. He stressed the importance of protection during late-night prayers, which are common during the holy month.
Political Responses and Community Reassurance
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer voiced his concerns about the incident, acknowledging the anxiety it may cause within Muslim communities during Ramadan. He highlighted that the government has allocated up to £40 million in funding for enhanced security at mosques, Muslim schools, and community centres, reaffirming a commitment to ensuring communities can live without fear.
In a statement, Manchester Central Mosque described the event as a "serious security incident" and pointed to a broader increase in threats and hostility faced by the Muslim community in recent years. Assistant Chief Constable John Webster of Greater Manchester Police detailed the response, noting that staff acted on suspicions after the man claimed to be there for building work, which was unverified.
He assured that while no threats were made, the behavior was suspicious and concerning. Police have increased patrols around mosques and are reviewing CCTV and body-worn video to identify the second suspect. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham echoed these sentiments, pledging support to strengthen security at places of worship and ensure everyone can practice their faith freely and without fear.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Greater Manchester Police via 101 or their website's LiveChat function, or to reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
