Police call in counter terror officers after man was arrested for ‘carrying axe and knife’ into Manchester mosque – as manhunt continues for second suspect

Counter-terrorism police were called after an armed man entered a mosque during Friday prayers in Manchester.

Police are questioning a suspect who allegedly entered Manchester Central Mosque last night with a bag containing an ax and a knife among those attending Ramadan prayers.

Mosque volunteers noticed the suspicious bag and took the man wearing a hi-vis jacket to a separate room before handing him over to the police.

Officers have now launched a manhunt for a second man, a black male who is reportedly acting suspiciously and remains at large.

Earlier today, Greater Manchester Police said the incident was not being treated as terrorism-related.

But in the update they said that while it remained unclear whether the suspect had any ‘intentions’, they were working with detectives from North West Counter Terrorism Police to investigate ‘every line of inquiry’.

The incident sparked major security concerns among Muslims, who described it as ‘a threat to our society during a sacred time’.

A local Labor MP claimed this was ‘a result of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims’.

Rusholme MP Afzal Khan said: “This is Islamophobia, plain and simple.”

In response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘I am concerned about 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.

‘I would like to thank the volunteers and emergency services for their rapid response.‘

The arrested suspect, a white man in his 50s, is being held on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and possessing Class B drugs.

The pair were said to be carrying a bag containing a gun when they entered the mosque in the Victoria Park area of ​​south Manchester at around 8.40pm last night.

Deputy Chief of Police John Webster, who gave new information about the suspect in custody today, said: ‘It was reported that the man claimed that he was at the mosque to do work in the building, but the staff did not have information about this.

‘They rightfully took action based on their suspicions and called the police.

‘There was no allegation that he made any threats or confronted members of the congregation.

‘However, we understand the concern caused by this suspicious and worrying behaviour.

‘We quickly responded to the scene, searched for the suspect, arrested him and seized weapons, including an axe, a knife and class B drugs.

He added: ‘At this time, it is unclear what the circumstances or intention, if any, were regarding this incident.

‘I know this uncertainty can cause concern, but it is crucial that we have time to question the suspect and speak to as many witnesses as possible to understand the nature of this incident.

‘We are working with detectives from North West Counter Terrorism Police to ensure we investigate each line of inquiry appropriately, but this has not been declared a terrorist incident.’

Mr Webster said Greater Manchester forces were taking the incident ‘very seriously’ and had increased patrols around mosques, admitting Ramadan was ‘a really important time for Muslim communities’.

CCTV and Body-worn video is being studied to determine the identity of the second suspect who was reported to be acting suspiciously.

HE He is described as being approximately in his late 40s, with an athletic build and a short stubble.

He was wearing a gray hoodie, a navy blue hooded jacket, blue sweatpants and white sneakers.

He previously announced a ‘serious security incident’ at Manchester Central Mosque, saying: ‘A white male, carrying a large bag and wearing a hi-vis jacket, entered the mosque.

‘There was a black man next to him and they were both entering the mosque at the same time.

‘Mosque volunteers noticed the suspicious bag containing the ax placed by the attacker in the main hall of the mosque.

The white male was taken to a separate room by volunteers and was found to be carrying multiple weapons, including a hammer and knife. He was eventually arrested by the police.

‘The black male left the mosque shortly before police arrived after it became clear the situation was under control. As far as we know he has not yet been arrested by Greater Manchester Police.

‘All relevant information and CCTV footage has been passed on to police who are continuing the investigation.’

Attendees stopped one of the men entering the place of worship and took him to a separate room, where they found a bag full of weapons.

Maryam Khan, who was at the mosque, said: ‘It is truly sad that this is seen as a threat to our society at a time when it should be sacred.

‘It’s really discouraging but we’re used to it, we’re used to fearing for our own safety.’

He added: ‘The mosque is full of children, babies, children.

‘Sometimes we don’t go because it’s too busy, it’s very family orientated. They serve food and feed the homeless. I hope it’s taken seriously.

‘Thank God we have a really strong community here and our own security guards.’

Another eyewitness said he was ‘shocked’ by what happened last night.

Police said there was now an increased police presence in the area and those attending the mosque were warned to “be careful” and “travel in groups if possible and not leave children unattended”.

The mosque’s statement continued: ‘The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a marked increase in threats and hostility in recent years.

‘The increase in Islamophobic incidents is a serious concern and more 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.

‘Parishioners are advised to travel in groups whenever possible and to ensure that children are not left unattended.

‘The prompt and responsible actions of our volunteers played a crucial role in bringing the situation under control. Without their intervention the consequences could have been much more serious.’

Afzal Khan, local Labor MP for Rusholme, said: ‘I am deeply concerned about the incident at Manchester Central Mosque last night, which resulted in two men entering the mosque with weapons.

‘Thankfully everyone is safe, no one was injured and Manchester Police arrested one of the suspects. I have been in contact with the mosque management, the Mayor of Manchester and the Prime Minister regarding this incident.

‘Just this week the Chancellor and Home Secretary announced more funding to protect mosques and this incident shows once again why this funding is so vital.

‘This is the result of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims. This is clearly Islamophobia.’

This morning, Superintendent Simon Nasim, of Manchester Central, said: ‘Last evening officers attended a local mosque following reports that two men were acting suspiciously and carrying an offensive weapon while people were praying during the holy month of Ramadan.

‘We quickly arrested one man and officers are working to locate the second man. No threats were made and thankfully no one was injured.

‘As our investigations continue you may notice an increased patrol presence in the area. Please feel free to chat with our officers and let them know your concerns.

‘There is no place for guns on our streets and we are determined to ensure that all our communities can worship in peace and go about their daily lives without fear. Anyone who commits such crimes will be punished in accordance with the law.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact GMP on 999 quoting emergency quote incident 3279, which occurred on 24 February 2026.