A man is under arrest after allegedly entering a mosque in Manchester during Ramadan prayers carrying multiple weapons, including an axe.
The suspect, in his 40s, was with another man who entered Manchester Central Mosque, in the Victoria Park area in the south of the UK city, at around 8.40pm on Tuesday evening.
The first suspect was subsequently arrested by police on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs. He remains in custody for questioning.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say they are not treating the incident as terror-related.
Afzal Khan, the local MP for Rusholme, said such incidents were the “consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims”.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was concerned by the incident. “I know this will be worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection,” he said.
“My thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services for their quick response.
“We have provided up to £40 million funding for additional security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres, and will continue to act to ensure communities are able to live without fear.”
In a statement, the mosque said a “serious security incident” had occurred during prayers. It said a man wearing a hi-vis jacket and “carrying a large bag” had entered the mosque, accompanied by another man.
“The mosque volunteers spotted the suspicious bag containing an axe, which was placed into the main hall of the mosque by the assailant,” the statement added.
The first man “was escorted to a separate room by volunteers and was found to have been carrying multiple weapons including a hammer and a knife”.
He was arrested by the police. The other man left the mosque shortly before officers arrived, the statement added.
It said the Muslim community in the UK had “experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years”. It added: “The increase in Islamophobic incidents is a serious concern, and greater resources are urgently needed to address this growing and real risk.
“We will continue to co-operate fully with the police and urge all mosque attendees to remain vigilant. Congregants are advised to travel in groups where possible and to ensure that children are not left unattended.”
Supt Simon Nasim of GMP said: “Yesterday evening officers attended a local mosque after it was reported that two men were acting suspiciously and carrying an offensive weapon while people were worshipping during the holy month of Ramadan.
“We have swiftly arrested one individual, and officers are working to locate the second man. No threats were made, and thankfully, no one was injured.” He said there would be increased police patrols in the area.
Mr Khan said: “I am deeply concerned about the incident that occurred at Manchester Central Mosque last night, whereby two individuals entered the mosque with weapons … I’m in touch with the mosque leadership, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Prime Minister about this incident.
“Just this week, the Chancellor and Home Secretary announced more funding for protecting mosques, and this incident demonstrates once again why this funding is so vital.
“This is the consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims. This is Islamophobia, plain and simple.”
In October, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave a guarantee of protection to Jewish people after two people died when a car rammed worshippers and a man was stabbed in a terrorist attack at a synagogue in Manchester.
