What Happened
A man has been arrested after allegedly entering Manchester Central Mosque with an axe in his bag during Ramadan prayers. The incident occurred around 8:30 PM on Tuesday in the Victoria Park area, as hundreds of worshippers were engaged in prayer. The suspect, a white man in his 50s, was reportedly wearing hi-vis clothing and was found to have an axe, a knife, and a hammer in his possession.
Why It Matters
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that no injuries were reported and no threats were made during the incident. Although the police have not classified it as a terrorist act, they are collaborating with counter-terrorism units for further investigation. Hammad Khan, chairman of the mosque, expressed concerns for the safety of the Muslim community, stating that the incident has left many feeling fearful, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
What’s Next
Police are actively searching for a second suspect, described as a black male, who was believed to have accompanied the arrested man but left the scene before officers arrived. Increased police patrols have been announced in the area to ensure the safety of worshippers. Assistant Chief Constable John Webster emphasized the importance of security during Ramadan, stating that places of worship will receive heightened attention during this period.
