Second Suspect Detained Following Armed Mosque Incident in Manchester
A second individual has been arrested by police in connection with alarming reports of a man armed with an axe entering Manchester Central Mosque during Ramadan prayers earlier this week. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has prompted a swift and ongoing investigation by Greater Manchester Police.
Details of the Arrests and Police Response
The initial suspect, a white man in his 50s, was apprehended at the scene on Tuesday on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs. He was found to be carrying multiple weapons, including a hammer and an axe. This individual remains in police custody, with authorities having obtained a warrant of further detention to allow detectives additional time for questioning.
On Thursday morning, Greater Manchester Police confirmed the arrest of a second suspect, a man in his 20s, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a section 18 assault. This arrest followed intensive searches for a black male who was reported to have been acting suspiciously within the mosque at the same time as the initial incident.
Assistant Chief Constable John Webster stated: "Our investigation has been working at pace, leading to us making an arrest for the outstanding man this morning. Detectives will be conducting interviews with him today." He emphasized that the force continues to take the incident seriously and has been granted extra time by the courts to question the first suspect to thoroughly explore all possible lines of inquiry.
Community Concerns and Mosque Chairman's Account
Hamad Khan, chairman of Manchester Central Mosque, provided a detailed account of the events. He explained that a man wearing a hi-vis jacket entered the mosque at approximately 8.30pm on Tuesday, while around 1,500 people were engaged in Ramadan prayers. The individual was ushered into an office, and police were called immediately after an axe was spotted in his bag.
Mr. Khan revealed that he had previously requested an increased police presence around all local mosques due to a recent rise in hate mail and threats. "I stressed, prior to the month of Ramadan, we needed police presence because prayers go on to late at night," he said, highlighting ongoing security concerns within the community.
Official Statements and Reassurances
Greater Manchester Police have assured the public that there is no intelligence to suggest the incident poses a wider threat to the community, and officers are not looking for any further suspects at this time. Assistant Chief Constable Webster reiterated the force's commitment to addressing community concerns, urging anyone with information to contact police via 101, the LiveChat function on the GMP website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his concern over the incident, stating: "I know this will be worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection." His comments underscore the national attention the case has garnered and the sensitivity surrounding acts of potential violence during religious observances.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine the full circumstances and motivations behind the disturbing event at one of Manchester's prominent places of worship.
