Man arrested after 'axe carried into mosque'

A man has been arrested after walking into a mosque allegedly carrying weapons including an axe and a knife.

Police were called to Manchester Central Mosque on Upper Park Road in Victoria Park, Rusholme, at about 20:40 GMT on Tuesday to reports that two men were acting suspiciously.

Greater Manchester Police said a man in his 40s had been arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs, while officers were trying to locate a second man.

Afzal Khan, Manchester Rusholme MP, told the BBC: "This is the consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims. This is Islamophobia, plain and simple."

The force said it was working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West but it had not formally declared the incident to be terror-related, a position which has been questioned by representatives from the mosque.

Manchester Central Mosque said volunteers had challenged a man, after he had walked in during Taraweeh prayers, and called the police.

There were about 2,000 worshippers inside at the time.

Supt Simon Nasim said no-one was injured and no threats had been made.

Assistant Chief Constable John Webster added: "The man had reportedly claimed to be in the mosque to do work on the building, but staff had no knowledge of this.

"They rightly acted on their suspicions and called police.

"There was no suggestion that he made any threats or confronted members of the congregation.

"However, we understand the concern that this suspicious and concerning behaviour caused.

"At this time, it is not clear what the circumstances or intent, if any, was around this incident.

"We're reviewing all available CCTV and body-worn video to identify a second man, a black man, who was reported as acting suspiciously in the mosque at the same time."

He described him as in his late 40s with an athletic build and subble, wearing a grey hoodie and a navy blue jacket with both hoods up, blue tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers.

He added: "If anyone has information about this man do not hesitate to contact police."

The mosque said a white man wearing a high-visibility jacket and carrying a large bag, accompanied by a black man, had walked in while worshippers were praying during the holy month of Ramadan.

Volunteers at the mosque noticed an axe inside the white man's bag and escorted him into a separate room.

The mosque said other weapons, including a knife and a hammer, were then found.

It said it believed the "swift and responsible actions" of its volunteers could have prevented a "far more serious" situation.

"The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years," the mosque's statement said.

"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 cooperate fully with the police and urge all mosque attendees to remain vigilant."

The mosque said it had provided CCTV footage to police.

Khan said he was "deeply concerned" and had been in touch with GMP and the mosque leadership, as well as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

"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," he said.

Hammad Khan, a spokesperson for the mosque, said he could not understand why police were not classing the incident as terror-related.

He said: "The information I have from people who dealt with the incident leads me to believe that this was potentially a very serious incident.

"Two men entered the mosque with a bag containing several weapons – an axe, a hammer and a number of knives.

"You have to ask what was their intent? I cannot understand why this isn't being classed as a terrorism incident."

Hammad Khan said the white man had been seen in the mosque on previous occasions and had not caused any problems.

"Like all places of worship we are open to anyone who wants to come in, so no-one was worried when they saw him until one of the volunteers spotted the axe handle sticking out of the bag he was carrying.

"We managed to keep him talking and get him in to one of the offices away from worshippers."

Posting on X, Starmer said he was "concerned" to hear of the incident.

"I know this will be worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection."

"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."

Supt Nasim said there would be increased patrols in the area while the investigation continued.

He said: "There's no place for weapons on our streets and we are committed to ensure all our communities feel safe to worship in peace and go about their daily lives without fear.

"Anyone committing such offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law."