A manhunt has been launched after men “armed with an axe and a knife” entered a mosque in Manchester.
Worshippers were taking part in Ramadan prayers when the two men were spotted entering the Manchester Central Mosque on Thursday evening.
They were reportedly carrying bags, with one believed to be containing an axe and the other a hammer and a knife.
Attendees stopped one of the men as he entered the place of worship and took him into a separate room where they discovered the bag full of weapons.
Greater Manchester Police rushed to the mosque in the Rusholme area of the city, where they arrested one man in his 40s on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs.
A search is now underway for the other suspect and those with information have been urged to come forward.
The force added that “no threats were made and nobody was injured”.
There is now an increased police presence in the area and attendees at the mosque have been warned to be vigilant and to “travel in groups where possible and not leave children unattended”.
The incident took place at Manchester Central Mosque
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A statement from the Manchester Central Mosque described the incident as a “serious concern”.
It said: “On the evening of February 24, at approximately 8.30pm, a serious security incident occurred at Manchester Central Mosque (Victoria Park) during Taraweeh prayers in the blessed month of Ramadan.
“All relevant information and CCTV footage has been passed onto the police who are continuing their investigation.
“The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years – 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. Congregants are advised to travel in groups where possible and to ensure that children are not left unattended.
“The swift and responsible actions of our volunteers played a crucial role in containing the situation. Without their intervention, the consequences could have been far more serious”.
Congregants were gathered at the mosque for Ramadan prayers
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GETTYSuperintendent Simon Nasim of City of Manchester Central district, 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 enquiries 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”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his concern of the incident in a post on X today.
He said: “I am concerned to hear of the incident at Manchester Central Mosque last night. 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 £40million 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”.