A suspect remains in custody after a man entered Manchester Central Mosque with a bag containing weapons
The Manchester mosque at the centre of a police investigation following a ‘concerning’ incident involving a man with an axe has introduced new security measures, it has said tonight.
Detectives have released new details and are continuing to quiz a suspect after two men walked into the Manchester Central Mosque on Upper Park Road in Victoria Park on Tuesday night (February 24). They were seen acting ‘suspiciously’ at the mosque as hundreds of worshippers engaged in prayer during Ramadan.
It was reported they were carrying bags, with one believed to be containing an axe, a hammer and a knife. One man, who was in high-vis, has since been arrested and remains in custody, police said. Weapons including an axe and a knife were found.
Click here to prioritise Manchester news in Google from the MEN
Security staff had initially questioned the man who had been seen acting suspiciously during a ‘congregation involving hundreds of worshippers’. Hammad Khan, president of the mosque, said the incident involving the two males, one he described as being white and one as black, has left Muslims fearing for their safety. “Everybody is very, very fearful”, he said. Police are still hunting the second suspect.
The incident has not been deemed terror-related, but investigations remain ongoing alongside Greater Manchester Police and Counter Terrorism Police.
While speaking to the public on Wednesday evening (February 25), Hammad Khan, president of Manchester Central Mosque, said it is ‘imperative’ places of worship remain a sanctuary for people across Greater Manchester.
“Manchester has always been a community which has been very cohesive and we’ve had multi faith events all throughout its history, and it is something we will continue to do,” he told reporters. “Mosques and another places of worship, places of peace and sanctuary for people. It is imperative that we maintain that for the communities in Greater Manchester and across the across the world.
In a new statement issued on Wednesday night, the mosque has revealed it is implementing tougher security measures ‘with immediate effect’, in the interests of ‘safeguarding worshippers and visitors’. Greater Manchester Police have also announced they are increasing patrols in the area for community reassurance.
“Until further notice, access to and from the mosque premises will be restricted to one designated entrance,” the mosque said. “Security personnel and authorised volunteers will be present and may, where necessary, carry out checks on bags and other items.
“Worshippers are requested to cooperate fully with these arrangements and to comply with any reasonable requests or directions given by security personnel or authorised volunteers. Worshippers are also advised, where reasonably practical, to attend the mosque in groups and to exercise vigilance when travelling to and from the mosque and whilst on the premises.
“These measures are being introduced on a precautionary basis in order to promote the safety and security of all worshippers and visitors.”
Police update
Speaking outside Manchester Central Mosque on Wednesday evening, Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said: “Last night, a concerning incident took place here at Manchester Central Mosque. A man with a bag containing an axe was acting suspiciously, during a congregation involving hundreds of worshippers.
“The security staff here acted on their suspicions to challenge the man. One of our special constables, who was off-duty and was part of the congregation, called the incident into us and we responded within 15 minutes by searching the suspect, arresting him, and seizing the items he had on him.
“There was no suggestion of verbal threats or confrontation, but it’s really important the security staff here and volunteers acted on their suspicions, on their instincts, to call us. I thank them for their actions.
“This is a time where Muslims come together to observe Ramadan. They should feel safe in their place of worship. We do give places of worship increased attention during this period, as we do with all religious festivals.
“We do understand, and we are listening, to all concerns. We’ll be listening to the concerns here at the Manchester Central Mosque here this evening. I look forward to some further conversations.
“We cannot be everywhere all the time, I wish we were. We are increasing patrols to offer security and reassurance to our Muslim community. Our officers will be on 12-hour shifts to be able to do this, certainly in the short term.
“And when incidents of concern do happen, we are in your community to act and respond. I thank the off-duty special constable for their action to ensure we could get our patrols here to detain this man.
“There is an ongoing police investigation, and we are working to locate the second suspicious man to understand who he is and what he was doing at the mosque. We’re still questioning the detained man to understand what he was doing here with an axe in his bag.
“I know this uncertainty can cause concern, but it is key that we have time to question the suspect, explore every line of enquiry and speak to as many witnesses as possible to understand the nature of this incident.
“We are taking this very seriously and we are working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West, but it I have to stress, this has not been declared a terrorist incident. When we know more, I will ensure we update you too. Thank you.”
