Counter-Terror Police Probe Axe and Knife Incident at Manchester Mosque During Ramadan
Counter-terrorism officers have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Manchester Central Mosque, where a man entered with a bag containing an axe and a knife during evening Ramadan prayers. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have arrested one suspect but are urgently searching for a second individual who was acting suspiciously at the same time, prompting increased patrols in the Victoria Park area of south Manchester.
Security Alert During Congregation
The incident unfolded on Tuesday evening when security staff at the mosque noticed a man wearing a high-visibility jacket behaving suspiciously among hundreds of worshippers. Volunteers challenged the individual and escorted him to a separate room. An off-duty special constable who was present in the congregation immediately alerted police, who responded swiftly to the scene.
Officers searched the suspect, a white man in his 50s, and seized several objects from his possession including an axe, a hammer, a knife, and what police described as class B drugs. He was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and drug offenses. According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect shouted "I'm not a terrorist!" as he was led away by police.
Second Suspect Sought by Police
GMP confirmed they are actively working to locate a second man who was seen with the suspect but left the mosque just before police arrived. The individual is described as black, approximately in his late 40s, with an athletic build and short stubbled facial hair. He was wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up, a navy blue jacket with its hood also raised, blue tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers.
Police are examining CCTV footage and body-worn video to identify this second individual and understand his connection to the incident. Assistant Chief Constable John Webster stated: "We are working to locate the second suspicious man to understand who he is and what he was doing at the mosque."
Community Concerns and Official Responses
The incident has raised significant safety concerns within Manchester's Muslim community, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Hammad Khan, 46, chair of Manchester Central Mosque, expressed disappointment that police were not treating the incident as a terrorist investigation, stating: "Somebody who walks into a place of worship - a mosque - carrying weapons, that in itself is a threat."
Mr. Khan revealed that between 1,200 and 1,500 worshippers would have been present during the prayers and emphasized how fortunate it was that volunteers spotted the bag containing the axe handle. He also disclosed that the suspect had visited the mosque before but never in high-visibility clothing, and that police found materials relating to the Second World War and newspaper cuttings in his possession.
Local Labour MP Afzal Khan for Rusholme described the incident as "Islamophobia, plain and simple" and claimed it was a "consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims." In response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed concern about the incident and thanked volunteers and emergency services for their quick response.
Increased Security Measures
Assistant Chief Constable Webster announced that patrols would be increased in the area, with officers temporarily working longer 12-hour shifts. He emphasized: "This is a time where Muslims come together to observe Ramadan. They should feel safe in their place of worship. We do give places of worship increased attention during this period, as we do with all religious festivals."
The mosque has issued guidance to congregants advising them to travel in groups where possible and ensure children are not left unattended. In a joint statement, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, his deputy Kate Green, and Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, expressed their "deep concern" while noting there were no direct threats nor any violence used during the incident.
Broader Community Solidarity
The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester strongly condemned what they called an "appalling incident" and expressed solidarity with the Muslim community, comparing the distress caused to last October's deadly terror attack on Heaton Park Synagogue. The council stated: "No one should ever feel unsafe because of their beliefs. Attacks like this strike at the heart of our shared values of respect, tolerance, and coexistence."
Police continue to question the arrested suspect while counter-terrorism detectives work on the investigation, though authorities have not formally declared it a terrorist incident. GMP urged anyone with information to contact them quoting incident 3279 of 24 February 2026.
