Armed Intruder Arrested at Manchester Central Mosque During Ramadan Prayers

MANCHESTER, Greater Manchester — A security alert occurred at the Manchester Central Mosque on Upper Park Road in Victoria Park during evening Taraweeh prayers for the holy month of Ramadan. Volunteers managed to contain and disarm an intruder carrying a bag filled with weapons, including an axe, a hammer, and a knife.

The incident unfolded around 8:30 PM on Tuesday when two suspicious men entered the mosque. Alert volunteers noticed a heavy bag left in the main hall and quickly intervened. They escorted one of the men into a separate room to conduct a search, discovering the concealed weapons. Greater Manchester Police were immediately called to the scene and arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possessing Class B drugs.

Community Concerns and Hunt for Second Suspect

While one suspect is in custody, a second male suspect fled the scene and remains at large. Police patrols have been stepped up across the Victoria Park area, and officers are actively working to locate the second individual. Superintendent Simon Nasim reassured the public that no direct threats were made and no injuries were reported during the incident.

In a statement released by Manchester Central Mosque, officials praised the swift actions of their volunteers: "Without their intervention, the consequences could have been far more serious." The mosque also highlighted growing anxieties over safety, pointing to a notable rise in Islamophobic incidents and calling for increased security resources for religious spaces. Congregants have been advised to travel in groups and remain vigilant when attending prayers.

Greater Manchester Police have appealed to the public for any witnesses or information that could help locate the second suspect. Anyone with details is urged to contact police on 101 or via Crimestoppers.