Manchester, England – A man has been arrested after allegedly entering Manchester Central Mosque armed with an axe and other weapons during Ramadan prayers.
The incident occurred around 8:40pm on Tuesday in the Victoria Park area of Manchester. According to Greater Manchester Police, the suspect, believed to be in his 40s, entered the mosque alongside another man. He was later arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and Class B drugs. Police confirmed he remains in custody for questioning, while efforts are ongoing to trace the second individual. Authorities said the case is not being treated as terror-related, and no injuries were reported.
In a statement shared with Okay News on Wednesday, mosque officials described the situation as a “serious security incident,” noting that volunteers identified a suspicious bag containing an axe placed inside the main prayer hall. The suspect was reportedly escorted to a separate room, where additional weapons, including a hammer and a knife, were found. The second man left shortly before police arrived.
Rusholme MP Afzal Khan condemned the incident and linked it to rising hostility towards Muslims. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the attack would be concerning for Muslim communities, particularly during Ramadan, and reiterated the government’s £40 million funding package to enhance security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres. Police have since increased patrols in the area as investigations continue.
