Police have arrested a second suspect after a man allegedly entered a mosque carrying an axe during evening Ramadan prayers, in an incident that has heightened concern among Muslim communities amid a series of recent security scares.
The arrest comes amid a string of recent incidents targeting Muslim communities, including a suspected arson attack outside a mosque and days of protests by far-right preachers outside a mosque in east London.
Officers were called to Manchester Central Mosque on Tuesday following reports of two men behaving suspiciously during Taraweeh prayers.
According to mosque officials, volunteers challenged a man who had entered the building and became concerned after noticing an axe inside his bag.
The individual was escorted into a separate room while police were contacted. Mosque representatives said additional items, including a knife and a hammer, were also discovered.
The mosque said the “swift and responsible actions” of volunteers may have prevented a far more serious situation.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a man in his 20s has since been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a section 18 assault.
The other man, in his 50s, was detained at the scene on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and Class B drugs. He remains in custody.
“We continue to take this incident seriously,” said assistant chief constable John Webster.
The force is working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing North West, although it has not formally been classified as terror-related.
Wider concerns after other incidents
The arrest comes amid wider anxiety following other incidents affecting mosques.
In Worcester, a community building next to a mosque belonging to the Worcester Muslim Welfare Association was damaged in what the organisation described as a ‘deliberate act of arson’ on Thursday.
A video shared online appeared to show a man igniting a fire near the premises before fleeing.
Meanwhile, recent gatherings involving far-right extremist and Christian street preachers outside mosques in London’s East End have drawn criticism from local residents.
The preachers from the United States held demonstrations outside the East London Mosque for a few days.
Footage of the encounters circulated widely on social media, prompting further extremists to travel to Whitechapel, leading to additional confrontations in the area.
Community members pointed to the irony of the British far right celebrating foreign extremists antagonising British Muslims.
The East London Mosque and the surrounding Whitechapel area have long attracted protests and counter-protests. It has been a focal point for far-right activism both in the UK and internationally.
Supporters describe the actions as protected free speech, but critics argue the defence rings hollow given the likelihood that the same people would not tolerate similar demonstrations by Muslims outside churches during Christmas services.
Far-right figures in the past have admitted that some personalities intentionally provoke tensions, knowing that filmed confrontations can drive clicks, followers, and income online.
