Arrest after reports of man with axe entering mosque during Ramadan prayers

"A white male entered the Mosque wearing a hi-vis jacket carrying a large bag. He was accompanied by a black male, both entering the mosque at the same time. The mosque volunteers spotted the suspicious bag containing an axe, which was placed into the main hall of the mosque by the assailant. The white male was escorted to a separate room by volunteers and was found to have been carrying multiple weapons including a hammer and a knife."

"The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years. 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."

A white man in his 40s entered Manchester Central Mosque in Victoria Park during evening prayers on Tuesday, accompanied by a black male. The suspect carried a large bag containing an axe, which he placed in the main hall. Mosque volunteers discovered the weapons and escorted him to a separate room, where police found he was also carrying a hammer and knife. He was arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapons and possessing class B drugs. The black male left before police arrived and has not yet been arrested. Greater Manchester Police stated the incident is not terror-related. The mosque highlighted rising Islamophobic threats against the Muslim community and urged congregants to remain vigilant.

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