Manchester Mosque Incident: Man Arrested After Entering with Axe During Ramadan Prayers
A man has been arrested following reports of an individual entering a mosque in Manchester while carrying multiple weapons, including an axe, during Ramadan prayers. The incident occurred at Manchester Central Mosque in the Victoria Park area of south Manchester on Tuesday evening.
Details of the Incident
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the suspect, described as a white man in his 40s, entered the mosque at approximately 8:40 PM. He was accompanied by another man, identified as a black male. The first suspect was reportedly wearing a hi-vis jacket and carrying a large bag, which mosque volunteers discovered contained an axe placed in the main hall.
Volunteers at the mosque escorted the white male to a separate room, where he was found to be in possession of additional weapons, including a hammer and a knife. He was subsequently arrested by police on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs. The suspect remains in custody for questioning.
Police Response and Community Concerns
Superintendent Simon Nasim of GMP stated that officers responded swiftly to reports of two men acting suspiciously and carrying an offensive weapon during worship. "We have swiftly arrested one individual and officers are working to locate the second man," he said. "No threats were made and thankfully, no-one was injured."
GMP has confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terror-related. However, the mosque released a statement highlighting the "serious security incident" and expressing concerns over rising Islamophobic incidents in the UK. "The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years," the statement read. "The increase in Islamophobic incidents is a serious concern, and greater resources are urgently needed to address this growing and real risk."
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
The second man, the black male, left the mosque shortly before police arrived and has not been arrested as of the latest reports. GMP is appealing for witnesses and urging anyone with information to come forward. Increased police patrols have been deployed in the area to reassure the community.
The mosque praised the actions of its volunteers, stating that their intervention was crucial in containing the situation. "The swift and responsible actions of our volunteers played a crucial role in containing the situation," the statement added. "Without their intervention, the consequences could have been far more serious."
Congregants have been advised to remain vigilant, travel in groups where possible, and ensure children are not left unattended. Superintendent Nasim emphasized GMP's commitment to community safety: "There’s no place for weapons on our streets and we are committed to ensure all our communities feel safe to worship in peace and go about their daily lives without fear."
