Man arrested after 'axe carried into mosque'

A man has been arrested after allegedly walking into a mosque carrying weapons including an axe and a knife.

Police were called to Manchester Central Mosque in Victoria Park at around 20:40 GMT on Tuesday to reports that two men were acting suspiciously.

A statement from the mosque said volunteers had challenged one of the men, after they walked in during Taraweeh prayers, and called the police.

Greater Manchester Police said a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs, while the force is attempting to locate the second man.

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

In a statement, Manchester Central 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 bag and escorted the white man into a separate room.

It said other weapons including a knife and a hammer were then found.

Police were called and the white man was arrested, but the black man had left before officers arrived.

The mosque 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," it 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.

Supt Nasim said there would be increased patrols in the area while the investigation continues.

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."

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