A man has been arrested after allegedly entering Manchester Central Mosque carrying weapons including an axe, a knife and a hammer during evening Ramadan prayers.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to the mosque on Upper Park Road in Victoria Park, Rusholme, at about 20:40 GMT on Tuesday following reports of two men acting suspiciously. A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs. Officers are continuing efforts to locate a second man.
The incident took place during Taraweeh prayers, with approximately 2,000 worshippers inside the mosque at the time. Mosque representatives said volunteers challenged a white man wearing a high-visibility jacket who had entered the building carrying a large bag. After noticing what appeared to be an axe handle inside the bag, volunteers escorted him to a separate room away from worshippers and contacted police.
The mosque said additional items, including a knife and a hammer, were found inside the bag. No injuries were reported and police said no threats had been made.
Superintendent Simon Nasim confirmed the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related. However, mosque representatives questioned that assessment. Hammad Khan, a spokesperson for Manchester Central Mosque, said the presence of multiple weapons raised serious concerns about intent and described the situation as potentially very serious.
Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Rusholme, said he was “deeply concerned” and had been in contact with police, mosque leaders, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He linked the incident to rising hostility towards Muslim communities.
In a statement posted on X, Sir Keir Starmer said he was concerned by the reports and thanked volunteers and emergency services for their swift response. He referenced government funding of up to £40 million for additional security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres.
The mosque said it had handed CCTV footage to police and highlighted what it described as a rise in Islamophobic incidents in recent years. It urged worshippers to remain vigilant while investigations continue.
Greater Manchester Police said there would be increased patrols in the area and reiterated that there is no place for weapons on the streets.
