Second Suspect Arrested Following Serious Security Incident at Manchester Mosque
Greater Manchester Police have made a second arrest in connection with a serious security incident that occurred at Manchester Central Mosque during Ramadan prayers. A man in his 20s was taken into custody on Thursday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a section 18 assault, and he remains under police questioning.
Details of the Initial Incident
The incident unfolded on Tuesday evening around 8:40 p.m. at Manchester Central Mosque, located in the Victoria Park area of south Manchester. The first suspect, a man in his 50s, entered the mosque wearing hi-vis clothing and was reportedly armed with an axe, a knife, and a hammer. Volunteers at the mosque managed to keep the suspect engaged until police arrived, leading to his immediate arrest. He is currently held on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs.
Police Investigation and Community Response
Following the arrest, Greater Manchester Police continued their search for a second individual, described as a black male who was believed to be with the suspect but left before officers arrived. The arrest of the man in his 20s marks a significant development in the investigation. Assistant Chief Constable John Webster stated that detectives are conducting interviews and have been granted extra time by the courts to question the first suspect to explore all possible lines of enquiry thoroughly.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, police have confirmed there is no intelligence to suggest a wider threat to the community, and they are not looking for any further suspects. However, the mosque's chairman, Hammad Khan, has requested increased police presence around all mosques in the area due to a recent rise in hate mail and threats, especially during Ramadan when prayers extend late into the night.
Political and Community Reactions
The incident has drawn concern from political figures, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who expressed worry for Muslim communities. Although no injuries were reported, the event has heightened tensions during the holy month of Ramadan. The local community and authorities are working together to ensure safety and security, with ongoing police patrols and support measures in place.
