Manchester Central Mosque Incident: Armed Man Arrested During Ramadan Prayers
A man has been arrested following a serious security incident at Manchester Central Mosque during Ramadan prayers on Tuesday evening. The suspect, described as a white male in his 50s, entered the mosque in the Victoria Park area around 8:30 PM while wearing hi-vis clothing and carrying a bag containing an axe, a knife, and a hammer.
Police Response and Investigation Details
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that no one was injured during the incident and no threats were made by the suspect. However, authorities have not ruled out any possibilities and are working closely with counter-terrorism police to investigate the circumstances. The detained man is currently being held on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs.
Police are actively searching for a second individual, described as a black male, who is believed to have accompanied the suspect to the mosque but left before officers arrived. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to understand the full context of the incident.
Volunteers' Crucial Intervention
Hammad Khan, chairman of Manchester Central Mosque, praised the quick thinking of volunteers who managed the situation. "The volunteers obviously kept the conversation going in a very amenable way to ensure the situation did not escalate in any way," Khan stated. He noted that the suspect had visited the mosque previously and appeared "very calm" during the incident.
When volunteers spotted the axe in the man's bag, they immediately ushered him into an office and contacted police. An off-duty special constable who was part of the congregation also called authorities, resulting in police arriving at the scene within 15 minutes.
Political Response and Community Concerns
Sir Keir Starmer expressed concern about the incident in a social media post, acknowledging that it would be "worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection." He highlighted the government's provision of up to £40 million in funding for additional security at mosques, Muslim schools, and community centers.
Assistant Chief Constable John Webster of Greater Manchester Police addressed the community outside the mosque on Wednesday evening, stating: "This is a time where Muslims come together to observe Ramadan. They should feel safe in their place of worship." He announced increased police patrols and 12-hour shifts to provide security and reassurance to the Muslim community.
Broader Context of Rising Islamophobia
In a statement following the incident, Manchester Central Mosque highlighted the increasing threats facing Muslim communities in the UK. "The increase in Islamophobic incidents is a serious concern, and greater resources are urgently needed to address this growing and real risk," the statement read.
The mosque advised congregants to travel in groups where possible and ensure children are not left unattended. Local MP Afzal Khan for Rusholme echoed these concerns, stating that the incident "demonstrates once again why this funding is so vital" for protecting places of worship.
Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the investigation progresses, while community leaders emphasize the importance of vigilance during religious observances.
