Man arrested after axe and knife brought into Manchester Central Mosque

A man in his 40s was arrested after entering manchester central mosque carrying weapons and suspected drugs, an incident that has left worshippers and local leaders demanding answers about security during Ramadan prayers. Police say the suspect is in custody while officers search for a second man who was seen acting suspiciously.

Arrest, items seized and the immediate police response on Upper Park Road

Greater Manchester Police were called to 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 the building and were acting suspiciously. Officers arrested a white man in his 40s on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs; he remains in custody for questioning.

Police say they searched the suspect and seized weapons, including an axe and a knife, and class B drugs. A mosque statement and witness accounts also refer to a hammer among the items carried by the man. Officers described a swift response at the scene.

Volunteers challenged the man during Taraweeh prayers and evacuated worshippers

Volunteers at the mosque challenged the man after he entered during Taraweeh prayers and called police. The mosque said volunteers spotted a suspicious bag, escorted one of the men into a side room and passed all relevant information and CCTV footage to police.

There are differing accounts of how many people were present: the mosque said there were about 2, 000 worshippers inside at the time, while a witness said approximately 5, 000 worshippers were asked to evacuate. The mosque described the episode as a "serious security incident" and said security staff had acted quickly to raise the alarm.

Police searching for a second man and reviewing footage with counter-terror detectives

Officers are trying to locate a second man reported as acting suspiciously. The force said it is working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West but has not formally declared the incident to be terror-related; representatives from the mosque have questioned that position. Police are reviewing CCTV and body-worn video to identify the second man and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said the arrested man had reportedly claimed to be in the mosque to do work on the building but mosque staff had no knowledge of this. He added that there was no suggestion the man made threats or confronted members of the congregation and that inquiries continue to establish circumstances and intent.

Witness accounts: restraint, a fire extinguisher and a large police response

A witness said the suspect was armed with an axe and that four people restrained him and struck him with a fire extinguisher. The witness also said about 15 police cars attended the scene and that nobody was injured.

Supt Simon Nasim said no-one was injured and no threats had been made. He noted officers attended while people were worshipping during the holy month of Ramadan, that one individual was swiftly arrested, and that patrols in the area may be increased while inquiries continue.

Videos circulating online showed a heavy police presence outside the mosque on Tuesday night; on the following morning the mosque was quiet with no visible police presence and neighbours said they had not seen or heard signs of a disturbance.

Political reaction, community concern and calls for more security funding

Afzal Khan, the Manchester Rusholme MP, condemned the incident and said it was the consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims, calling it "Islamophobia, plain and simple. " Sir Keir Starmer said he was concerned by the news and thanked volunteers and emergency services for their quick response.

The prime minister posted that he was concerned and highlighted national action on security, saying the government has provided up to £40m in funding for additional security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres and that it will continue to act to ensure communities can live without fear.

Ongoing lines of inquiry and appeals to the public

Police reiterated that at this time it is not clear what the circumstances or intent, if any, were around the incident. Officers said they are reviewing all available footage and speaking with witnesses to understand the nature of what happened at Manchester Central Mosque, and urged anyone with information about the second man to contact them.