White Man Enters Manchester Mosque Carrying Axe, Knife and Hammer; Mosque Demands More Police

During evening Ramadan/Taraweeh prayers at Manchester Central Mosque in Victoria Park, worshippers found a large bag containing an axe in the main hall.

“I only received the phrase "Get in touch”

BBC

A white man carrying an axe, a knife and a hammer was detained by volunteers and arrested by Greater Manchester Police.

BBC

Reports say the suspect was wearing a high-visibility jacket and was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs.

Roughly 1,500 people were praying at the time, according to one report.

Police say the incident has not been declared a terrorist act but that they are working with Counter Terrorism Police.

A second man who left before officers arrived is being sought.

Mosque volunteers played a central role in containing the incident; worshippers confronted and detained the man, kept him talking and escorted him to a separate room while police were called.

The mosque publicly praised those volunteers for their “swift and responsible actions” and urged congregants to stay vigilant.

Daily Star

It advised people to travel in groups and not to leave children unattended, and local leaders warned of a rise in Islamophobic threats and hate mail.

Greater Manchester Police say they arrested the man on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs.

“The chairman of a Manchester mosque has asked for increased police presence after what the Prime Minister called a “concerning” incident when an armed man arrived during Ramadan prayers”

Dunfermline Press

Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation.

CCTV and other evidence from the mosque have been handed to officers as they search for a second suspect.

Greater Manchester Police have increased patrols in the area and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

They stressed that no threats were made and no one was injured.

Community leaders and politicians called for greater visible policing and security for mosques.

Mosque chairman Hammad Khan described the incident as a "serious security incident" and urged increased patrols, citing a rise in hate mail and threats.

Express.co.uk

Senior figures including Sir Keir Starmer thanked volunteers and emergency services.

Some reports referenced up to £40 million of government funding available for mosque and community security.

Investigations are ongoing as police appeal for witnesses.

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Lancs Live

Handments of CCTV and other evidence remain with Greater Manchester Police.

Lancs Live

Officers continue to seek the second man described in several accounts.

They say patrols have been increased around local mosques.

Coverage across outlets consistently states no one was injured.

Outlets also say volunteers were credited with containing the incident.

Reporting choices differ on details and emphasis.