Man with Axe Arrested at Manchester Mosque During Ramadan Prayers
Police have arrested a man who entered Manchester Central Mosque carrying an axe in a bag during Ramadan evening prayers, in an incident that has drawn concern from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and local Muslim communities.
Incident Details and Police Response
The incident occurred at approximately 8:40 PM on Tuesday at the Manchester Central Mosque in the Victoria Park area of south Manchester. According to Greater Manchester Police, security staff reported concerns about a white man in his 40s wearing a high-visibility jacket who entered the mosque claiming to be there for building work. Staff had no prior knowledge of any scheduled work and became suspicious when they discovered he was carrying an axe in his bag.
GMP Assistant Chief Constable John Webster stated: "We quickly responded to the scene where we searched the suspect, arrested him and seized weapons, including an axe, a knife and class B drugs." The suspect, now identified as a white man in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs. He remains in custody for questioning.
Police emphasized that no one was injured during the incident and there was no suggestion that the man made any threats or confronted members of the congregation. However, Webster acknowledged that the behavior was "suspicious and concerning" and understood the alarm it caused.
Political Response and Community Concerns
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed concern about the incident in a post on social media platform X, 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."
Starmer highlighted that the government has provided up to £40 million in funding for additional security at mosques, Muslim schools, and community centers, pledging to continue efforts to ensure communities can live without fear.
Local MP Afzal Khan, representing Rusholme, said he was "deeply concerned" about the incident, noting that it demonstrates the continued need for protective funding for religious institutions.
Mosque Statement and Security Measures
Manchester Central Mosque described the event as a "serious security incident" and praised their volunteers for their quick response. In a statement, the mosque noted that the UK's Muslim community has "experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years" and called for greater resources to address what they described as a "growing and real risk" of Islamophobic incidents.
The mosque advised congregants to travel in groups where possible and ensure children are not left unattended. They credited their volunteers with playing a "crucial role in containing the situation" and preventing potentially more serious consequences.
Police Investigation and Ongoing Concerns
Assistant Chief Constable Webster emphasized that the circumstances and intent behind the incident remain unclear at this time. Police are working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West to explore all lines of inquiry, though the incident has not been declared terrorism-related.
GMP is also seeking to identify a second man, described as a black male, who was reported acting suspiciously in the mosque at the same time as the arrested suspect. Police are reviewing available CCTV and body-worn video footage as part of their investigation.
Webster added: "We are taking this very seriously and have increased patrols around mosques at what we know is a really important time for Muslim communities as they come together during Ramadan."
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information that might assist their investigation into this concerning incident during the holy month of Ramadan.
