Police arrest man, search for another after 'axe and knife' carried into Manchester mosque

Police have arrested a man and are searching for another suspect for allegedly carrying weapons into a mosque in central Manchester on Tuesday evening.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said they received reports of two men acting suspiciously and "carrying an offensive weapon while people were worshipping" at Manchester Central Mosque.

Upon arrival, they arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon. 

“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," the police spokesperson, Simon Nasim, said.

Manchester Central Mosque said two men entered its premises during late evening prayers.

According to a statement it published, one of the men was carrying a large bag when he was confronted by worshippers who found an axe, knife and hammer.

The man was then taken to a room within the mosque by the worshippers while they awaited the arrival of the police.

Before police arrived at the scene, the other man had left the mosque premises and his whereabouts are currently unknown.

Nasim added: "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."

The police have increased patrols in the nearby area while they conduct their investigations.

Representative of the mosque thanked worshippers for their "swift and responsible actions" and added that British Muslims had "experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years".