Manchester Central Mosque incident: man arrested after 'axe carried into mosque' at manchester central mosque

A man has been arrested after walking into manchester central mosque allegedly carrying weapons including an axe and a knife. Police say the incident happened during evening prayers and that no-one was injured, while officers search for a second man.

What happened at the mosque

Police were called to Manchester Central Mosque on Upper Park Road in Victoria Park, Rusholme, at about 20: 40 GMT on Tuesday after reports that two men were acting suspiciously. Other accounts give the call time as about 8. 40pm or around 8. 30pm on Tuesday. The mosque said volunteers had challenged a man after he had walked in during Taraweeh prayers and called the police. Volunteers also reported spotting a suspicious bag and escorted one of the men into a side room or office while they waited for officers to arrive.

Arrest and suspect descriptions

Greater Manchester Police said a man in his 40s is in custody and that officers arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs; other reporting described the suspect as a white man in his 50s. The arrested man is being held or remains in custody for questioning. Police said they are trying to locate a second man who was reported as acting suspiciously and who is not understood to have been apprehended.

Items found and witness claims

Witnesses and the mosque said the suspect had an axe and a knife; a statement from the mosque added that he also had a hammer. One witness said four people restrained the suspect and hit him with a fire extinguisher. Another account said an axe was spotted in his bag and volunteers kept him talking before police arrived. The mosque chairman said the volunteers kept the conversation going "in a very amenable way to ensure the situation did not escalate in any way. " He also said the man was "very calm" and that he had been spotted visiting the mosque before, and that police have other materials the man was carrying, described as relating to World War Two and some newspaper cuttings.

Scale of the incident and immediate response

Police confirmed an off-duty special constable who was part of the congregation phoned police. One report said officers responded within 15 minutes. A witness said approximately 5, 000 worshippers inside the mosque were asked to evacuate; another report put the number of worshippers at about 2, 000 at the time. Around 15 police cars were described as attending and videos showed a heavy police presence outside the Victoria Park mosque. 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.

Police lines and second man appeal

Supt Simon Nasim said: "No-one was injured and no threats had been made. " In a fuller remark he 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. You may notice an increased presence of patrols in the area while our inquiries continue.." He also added: "There is 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. "

Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said: "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 that second man 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. Webster added: "If anyone has information about this man do not hesitate to contact police. " The force said it was working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West but had not formally declared the incident to be terror-related, a position that was questioned by representatives from the mosque.

Reactions from mosque and politicians

The mosque described the event as a "serious security incident" and said "All relevant information and CCTV footage has been passed on to the police who are continuing their investigation. " Its statement added: "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" (statement truncated).

Afzal Khan, the Manchester Rusholme MP, said: "This is the consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims. This is Islamophobia, plain and simple. " Sir Keir Starmer said he was "concerned" by news of the incident and added: "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. "

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident or the second man to come forward.

Closing note: Officers continue to question the arrested man and to review CCTV and body-worn footage as inquiries progress at Manchester Central Mosque.