Incident Overview
The market is talking about a recent alarming incident at the Manchester Central Mosque, where a man was arrested after allegedly entering the premises with an axe in his bag during Ramadan prayers. The event occurred around 8:30 PM on Tuesday, raising concerns among the local community.
Details of the Arrest
The suspect, described as a white man in his 50s, was reportedly wearing high-visibility clothing and carried an axe, knife, and hammer. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no threats were made during the incident. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have not classified the situation as a terrorist act but are collaborating with counter-terrorism units to investigate further.
Community Response
Hammad Khan, the chairman of the mosque, emphasized the need for increased police presence following the incident. He noted that volunteers at the mosque managed to keep the suspect calm and engaged until law enforcement arrived. Khan described the man as having a calm demeanor and stated that he had previously visited the mosque.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, police are also searching for a second individual, a black male, believed to have been with the suspect but who left the scene before officers arrived. The suspect is currently being held on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs.
Public Safety Concerns
This incident has raised significant concerns among the local community, especially given the timing during Ramadan, a period of heightened religious observance. The Prime Minister has labeled the event as “concerning,” prompting discussions about safety measures within places of worship.
No official confirmation yet on the motivations behind the suspect’s actions or any potential connections to broader threats.
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