A man has been arrested after entering Manchester Central Mosque allegedly carrying weapons during evening prayers, prompting a major police response and heightened concern among worshippers in Rusholme.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to the mosque on Upper Park Road at about 20:40 GMT on Tuesday following reports that two men were acting suspiciously inside the building. A man in his 40s was detained on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and Class B drugs. Officers are continuing efforts to identify and locate a second individual believed to have been present at the same time.
I have received multiple reports from locals in Manchester that a white man dressed in a high-vis jacket entered Victoria Park Mosque this evening armed with an axe.@gmpolice and armed response police have reportedly arrested him.
I have an image of the suspect which I WILL… pic.twitter.com/7RTyV5YKDT
— Dilly Hussain (@DillyHussain88) February 24, 2026
According to mosque representatives, volunteers became concerned after noticing the handle of an axe protruding from a large bag carried by one of the men. The suspect had entered the mosque while approximately 2,000 worshippers were attending Taraweeh prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. Volunteers calmly escorted the man to a separate room, where further items including a knife and a hammer were reportedly discovered. No injuries were reported and police confirmed that no direct threats had been made to worshippers.
Authorities said they are working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing North West as part of the investigation. However, the incident has not been formally classified as terror-related, a position that has drawn questions from mosque leaders who believe the circumstances warrant further scrutiny. Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and body-worn camera recordings to establish the events leading up to the incident and determine the intent, if any, behind the man’s actions.
Local MP Afzal Khan described the situation as deeply troubling and linked it to broader concerns about rising hostility toward Muslim communities. He said the incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and stronger protections for places of worship.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham praised mosque volunteers for their swift and responsible response, noting their actions may have prevented a more serious outcome. He described the situation as a cause for concern across the region and confirmed that additional patrols would be deployed to reassure local communities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed concern, acknowledging the anxiety such incidents can cause, particularly during Ramadan. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing funding for enhanced security measures at mosques, schools and community centres.
Police said patrols in the Rusholme area will remain increased while enquiries continue. Officers have appealed for anyone with information about the second man seen at the mosque to contact authorities. They added that ensuring communities can worship safely and without fear remains a priority as investigations proceed.
