Police arrested a man suspected of entering the Manchester Central Mosque during Ramadan prayers with an axe and a knife. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in south Manchester. According to witnesses, one of the men entered the temple grounds with a bag containing an axe. Mosque volunteers subdued the assailant and called the authorities. The arrested man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and drugs. A second man is being sought. The police chief assured that no one was injured and that the incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack.
On Tuesday evening, a disturbing incident occurred at the Manchester Central Mosque in the Victoria Park district. Two men entered the temple during the evening Taraweeh prayers, which are particularly important during Ramadan. Manchester Central Mosque, also known as Victoria Park Mosque, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the United Kingdom, opened in the 1960s. It plays a significant role for the local Muslim community. According to witness accounts and a statement from the mosque itself, one of the men, white, around 40 years old, wearing a high-visibility vest, was carrying a large bag. When mosque volunteers looked inside, they noticed an axe. Four witnesses immediately intervened, restraining the man and hitting him with a fire extinguisher. Police were then called, arriving at the scene around 8:40 PM local time. Approximately 15 police vehicles were dispatched. The arrested man was charged with possession of an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs. The second man, described as black, is still being sought by Greater Manchester Police.
Police Inspector Simon Nasim reported that no one was injured and that no threats were made against anyone. In a statement, the services also emphasized that the incident is not currently being treated as a terrorist attack. The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, reacted to the event, writing on social media: „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.” — Sir Keir Starmer These words highlight the sensitivity of the situation during <przypis title=