Police in Manchester have made an arrest following a disturbing incident at Manchester Central Mosque, where a man allegedly entered the premises armed with an axe during Ramadan evening prayers. The suspect, described as being in his late 40s, was apprehended on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs.
Incident Details and Witness Account
According to witness reports, the suspect entered the mosque on Upper Park Road on Tuesday evening while approximately 5,000 worshippers were inside. The witness claimed the man was armed with an axe and was acting suspiciously. Four individuals quickly restrained the suspect, using a fire extinguisher to subdue him before police arrived.
Officers were called to the scene at around 8:40 pm following reports that two men had entered the mosque and were behaving suspiciously. Upon arrival, police arrested one man in his 40s, who remains in custody for questioning. The second man was not apprehended, and authorities are appealing for information to locate him.
Police Response and Community Reassurance
Superintendent Simon Nasim of the City of Manchester Central district addressed the incident, stating: "Yesterday evening officers attended a local mosque after it was reported that two men were acting suspiciously and carrying an offensive weapon while people were worshipping during the holy month of Ramadan."
He added: "We have swiftly arrested one individual and officers are working to locate the second man. No threats were made and thankfully no one was injured. You may notice an increased presence of patrols in the area while our inquiries continue."
Nasim emphasized: "There is 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. Anyone committing such offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law."
Mosque Statement and Security Concerns
In an official statement, Manchester Central Mosque revealed that volunteers had spotted a suspicious bag and escorted one of the men who entered the mosque into a side room. The statement confirmed that all relevant information and CCTV footage has been provided to police for their ongoing investigation.
The mosque's statement highlighted broader security concerns: "The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years. The increase in Islamophobic incidents is a serious concern, and greater resources are urgently needed to address this growing and real risk."
The statement continued: "We will continue to cooperate fully with the police and urge all mosque attendees to remain vigilant. Congregants are advised to travel in groups where possible and to ensure that children are not left unattended. The swift and responsible actions of our volunteers played a crucial role in containing the situation. Without their intervention, the consequences could have been far more serious."
Context and Aftermath
Videos circulating online show a significant police presence outside the mosque, which is located in Manchester's Victoria Park area. Approximately 15 police vehicles responded to the incident, and worshippers were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
The incident occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, which began a week prior, and comes just before constituents in south-east Greater Manchester were due to vote in Thursday's Gorton and Denton byelection. The timing has raised concerns about community safety during a period of religious observance and political activity.
Authorities continue their investigation into the incident, with police maintaining an increased presence in the area to reassure the community and gather further information about the second suspect who remains at large.
