Manchester Central Mosque: Worshippers and volunteers left shaken as man arrested after allegedly carrying an axe and knife

The immediate impact fell on worshippers and volunteers at manchester central mosque, with hundreds—by some counts thousands—asked to evacuate during evening prayers and volunteers physically restraining a suspect. The mosque’s volunteers raised the alarm and police arrested a man who is now in custody; community leaders and national figures have since voiced concern about security and rising hostility toward Muslim communities.

Manchester Central Mosque congregation and volunteers were directly affected

Here’s the part that matters: volunteers at the mosque challenged and detained one of the men after spotting a suspicious bag and escorted him into a side room while prayers were underway. The mosque said volunteers had called police during Taraweeh/ Ramadan prayers, and security staff were described as acting quickly in raising the alarm. Witnesses said four people restrained the suspect and used a fire extinguisher during the intervention; the mosque later passed CCTV and other information to investigators.

Event details and conflicting on-the-ground figures

Police were called to the Manchester Central Mosque on Upper Park Road in Victoria Park, Rusholme at about 20: 40 GMT (around 8. 40pm) on Tuesday after reports that two men had entered and were acting suspiciously. Officers arrested a man who is described in the coverage as being in his 40s; he is in custody on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs. Accounts of how many worshippers were present differ in the available material—one report cites about 2, 000 people inside, another cites approximately 5, 000—so the exact number is unclear in the provided context.

Items seized during the police search included an axe and a knife; one account also lists a hammer. Witnesses said roughly 15 police cars attended and that worshippers were asked to evacuate; police say no-one was injured and there was no suggestion that threats were made.

Investigation, second person of interest and police lines

Greater Manchester Police has said it is trying to trace a second man seen acting suspiciously in the mosque at the same time. The second individual was described in one account as a black man 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. Officers are reviewing CCTV and body-worn video as part of enquiries and have appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

The force has said it is working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West but has not formally declared the incident to be terror-related; the mosque has questioned that position. Police statements emphasised that it was not currently clear what the circumstances or intent, if any, were around the incident and that further questioning and witness accounts are needed.

The bigger signal here is how quickly volunteers and security staff intervened and how their actions shaped the immediate outcome—no injuries were reported and one suspect was detained.

Political and community reaction

National and local figures expressed concern. The prime minister said he was concerned, thanked volunteers and emergency services, and pointed to funding provided for additional security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres. The Labour leader also said he was concerned and offered thanks to volunteers and responders.

Afzal Khan, Manchester Rusholme MP, condemned the incident and described it as "the consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims, " calling it "Islamophobia, plain and simple. " The mosque has warned of a notable rise in threats and hostility toward the Muslim community in recent years and said greater resources are urgently needed to address that trend.

• One man arrested and in custody on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs.
• Police searching for a second man of interest; description circulated and CCTV being reviewed.
• Items seized listed as an axe and a knife; a hammer is also mentioned in one account.
• Witness accounts include volunteers restraining the suspect and about 15 police vehicles attending; no injuries reported.
• Conflicting crowd estimates: one account says about 2, 000 worshippers were present; another says approximately 5, 000—this discrepancy is unclear in the provided context.

The real question now is whether the investigation will identify the second man and clarify motive and intent; authorities have said further witness statements and footage review are central to that work. Videos from the night showed a heavy police presence outside the mosque; the following morning the mosque was described as quiet with no visible police, and neighbours largely reported no signs of a disturbance.

What’s easy to miss is how the incident has prompted immediate political and community conversation about security funding and a broader trend of hostility—these responses are now part of the story being investigated and debated.