Two Arrested After Man Allegedly Entered Manchester Mosque With Axe During Ramadan

In Brief

Police arrested two suspects after a man reportedly entered Manchester Central Mosque with an axe during Ramadan prayers.

Key Facts

• A man allegedly entered Manchester Central Mosque carrying an axe and a hammer on Tuesday evening.
• Greater Manchester Police stated the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
• Mosque volunteers reportedly contained the situation before police arrived.
• A second suspect was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit assault.
• The incident occurred during Ramadan evening prayers.

What Happened

On Tuesday evening, a man reportedly entered Manchester Central Mosque armed with an axe and a hammer during Ramadan prayers. Mosque volunteers restrained the suspect, and police later arrested him. A second individual was subsequently arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit assault.

Why It Matters

The event raised concerns about safety during religious gatherings, particularly during Ramadan. Police clarified the incident is not being treated as terror-related, addressing potential public concerns. The swift response by mosque volunteers and law enforcement highlights community and police cooperation. Witness accounts differ on the exact sequence of events and the number of weapons involved. Some sources report only an axe, others mention both an axe and a hammer.