Second man arrested after mosque 'axe' incident

Police investigating an incident in which a man allegedly took an axe into a mosque have arrested a second suspect.

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

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a man in his 20s had been detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a section 18 assault.

The other suspect, a man in his 50s, was arrested on Tuesday at the scene on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs. He remains in custody, police said.

Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said: "We continue to take this incident seriously."

While the force said it was working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West, it said 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 and GMP later confirmed the incident was called in by an off-duty special constable who had been present.

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

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."

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."

Khan said he had asked police for an increased police presence around all the local mosques after an increase in hate mail and threats.

He added: "I was disappointed that we didn't have visible presence.

"I stressed prior to the month of Ramadan we needed police presence because prayers go on to late at night."

He 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."

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the incident was a "cause for deep concern for those present and for our muslim communities across the whole city region".

He added: "It is important to say there were no direct threats or any violence used. However, there is no complacency.

"We commend those at the mosque who acted so quickly to alert Greater Manchester Police so quickly, and we will be visiting later today to listen to members of the community and provide what reassurance we can."

Also on X, Prime Minister Sir Keir 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 £40m 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."

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."

Speaking in a press conference outside the mosque later on Wednesday, Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said: "This is a time where Muslims come together to observe Ramadan.

"They should feel safe in their place of worship. We do give places of worship increased attention during this period, as we do with all religious festivals.

"We do understand, and we are listening, to all concerns. We'll be listening to the concerns here this evening. I look forward to some further conversations.

"We cannot be everywhere all the time, I wish we were.

"We are increasing patrols to offer security and reassurance to our Muslim community. Our officers will be on 12-hour shifts to be able to do this."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.