A man has been arrested after allegedly entering a mosque in Manchester during Ramadan prayers while carrying multiple weapons – including an axe.
The suspect, a white man in his 40s, was with another man, a black male, who entered Manchester Central Mosque near Victoria Park yesterday evening.
The first suspect was arrested by police on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon – including an axe, knife and hammer – and possession of class B drugs. He remains in custody for questioning.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say they are not treating the incident as terror-related.
Chairman Hammad Khan said volunteers kept the suspect talking until police arrived and arrested him, where he shouted, ‘I’m not a terrorist’.
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He added the suspect was ‘very calm’ and had been spotted visiting the mosque before last night.
Mr Khan added: ‘His demeanour was very calm. He wasn’t under the influence of anything at all.
‘I also understand he was also carrying some other materials with him relating to World War Two, also some newspaper cuttings, which the police have.
‘The volunteers obviously kept the conversation going in very amenable way to ensure the situation did not escalate in any way.’
In a statement, the mosque said a ‘serious security incident’ had occurred during prayers.
They added: ‘A white male entered the mosque wearing a hi-vis jacket carrying a large bag.
‘He was accompanied by a black male, both entering the mosque at the same time.
‘The mosque volunteers spotted the suspicious bag containing an axe, which was placed into the main hall of the mosque by the assailant.
‘The white male was escorted to a separate room by volunteers and was found to have been carrying multiple weapons including a hammer and a knife. He was eventually arrested by the police.
‘The black male left the mosque shortly before police arrived, after it became apparent that the situation had been contained. To our knowledge, he has not yet been arrested by Greater Manchester Police.’
Superintendent Simon Nasim of GMP 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. Please feel free to chat with our officers and let them know your concerns.
‘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.’
Afzal Khan, the local MP for Rusholme, said: ‘I am deeply concerned about the incident that occurred at Manchester Central Mosque last night, whereby two individuals entered the mosque with weapons.
‘Thankfully, everyone is safe, no one is hurt, and Greater Manchester Police have arrested one of the suspects.’
Officers are appealing for witnesses to help with inquiries.
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