Manchester Mosque Axe Incident: Suspect Charged During Ramadan Prayers
A 55-year-old suspect has been formally charged following a deeply concerning incident where a man armed with an axe entered Manchester Central Mosque during Ramadan prayers. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Darren Connor faces charges of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs after the alarming event.
Police Investigation and Community Reassurance
The investigation began when mosque security staff spotted a man holding a suspicious bag during a congregation and immediately challenged him. Counter-terrorism officers were involved in the subsequent inquiry, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities treated the situation.
Greater Manchester Police have stated there is no intelligence suggesting this incident poses a wider threat to the community. Officers have confirmed they are not looking for any additional suspects in connection with the event.
Assistant Chief Constable John Webster emphasized: 'We continue to take this incident seriously. We know this has been a concerning time for many of our communities, and we remain committed to acting on any concerns reported to us.'
Eyewitness Account and Swift Response
Hammad Khan, chairman of Manchester Central Mosque, provided a detailed account of what transpired. 'We were all praying inside and some of the volunteers and security were outside the mosque,' he explained. 'The volunteers spotted a white male coming in with a high-vis jacket and a big bag that seemed like something was sticking out of it, which we later found was a big axe.'
Khan added with evident relief: 'We are very, very fortunate the volunteers spotted the bag and the handle, not knowing it contained an axe.' Hundreds of worshippers were present in the building at the time, making the quick thinking of security personnel particularly crucial.
Political Response and Community Impact
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded to the incident, stating: 'I am concerned to hear of the incident at Manchester Central Mosque last night. I know this will be worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection.'
The Prime Minister extended his gratitude to those who responded swiftly: 'My thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services for their quick response.'
Ongoing Police Measures and Additional Arrest
In response to the incident, police have stepped up patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the community. Earlier in the week, Greater Manchester Police announced they had detained a man in his 20s on suspicion of conspiracy to commit assault in connection with the same incident.
Police have reminded the public they can report concerns by contacting them on 101 or via the LiveChat function on the GMP website. Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In emergencies, the public should always dial 999.
