Police swarmed a mosque in Manchester after “serious security incident” after reports of two men entering the building with weapons.
Manchester Central Mosque, located at Upper Park Road in Victoria Park, say volunteers spotted the two men last night (Tuesday, February 24) and claim they were carrying bags containing an axe, a hammer and a knife.
Greater Manchester Police arrived at the scene and made one arrest but the other man reportedly fled the scene.
A statement posted by the Manchester Central Mosque said: “On the evening of 24 February 2026, at approximately 8:30pm, a serious security incident occurred at Manchester Central Mosque (Victoria Park) during Taraweeh prayers in the blessed month of Ramadan.”
(Image: MEN)
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The statement then described how two males entered the mosque, with one reportedly ‘carrying a large bag’.
“The mosque volunteers spotted the suspicious bag containing an axe, which was placed into the main hall”, a spokesperson for the mosque added.
One of the males was then reportedly taken into a separate room by volunteers and was found to have been carrying ‘multiple weapons including a hammer and knife’.
A GMP spokesperson confirmed one man, aged in his 40s, had been arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs. He has been taken into custody for questioning. reports the MEN.
A search is underway to find the second man. The force said ‘no threats were made and nobody was injured’.
The GMP spokesperson said: “At around 8.40pm last night (Tuesday 25 February 2026) we were called to reports that two men had entered Manchester Central Mosque, on Upper Park Road, and were acting suspiciously.
“Officers swiftly attended the scene and arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B. He remains in custody for questioning.”
Superintendent Simon Nasim of City of Manchester Central district said: “Yesterday evening officers attended a local mosque after it was reported that two men were acting suspiciously and carrying an offensive weapon while people were worshipping during the holy month of Ramadan.
“We have swiftly arrested one individual and officers are working to locate the second man. No threats were made and thankfully, no one was injured. You may notice an increased presence of patrols in the area while our enquiries continue. Please feel free to chat with our officers and let them know your concerns.
“There’s no place for weapons on our streets and we are committed to ensure all our communities feel safe to worship in peace and go about their daily lives without fear. Anyone committing such offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
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