At 20:40pm on Tuesday 24 February, police responded to reports from Manchester Central Mosque in Victoria Park that two men were acting suspiciously.
A white man in his 40s was arrested by Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs. The weapons allegedly included an axe, hammer and knife.
A search is ongoing for the second individual.
A statement from the Manchester Central Mosque stated that the men had walked into the building during Taraweeh prayers carrying a large bag.
Volunteers from the mosque then challenged one of the men and called the police after finding the weapons inside the bag.
The mosque added that “The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years. The increase in Islamophobic incidents is a serious concern”.
Manchester Central Mosque is located close to both the Curry Mile and Wilmslow Road, an area that is home to many of Manchester’s students. Victoria Park in particular is the site of one of the University of Manchester’s accommodation campuses.
During the evening of Tuesday 24 February, worshippers had gathered at the mosque as they do every night during the holy month of Ramadan.
The mosque has confirmed that all “all relevant information and CCTV footage has been passed to the police who are continuing their investigation”.
Superintendent Simon Nasim of City of Manchester Central District has confirmed that there would be increased patrols in the area while the investigation continues, emphasising that “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”.
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday 25 February, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said that he shared the “deep concern of the community” affected.
Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig added that “No one should have any fear in attending their place of worship and I know how distressing the incident at Manchester Central Mosque will be for our Muslim communities – particularly during the holy month of Ramadan”. She continued: “It’s important to acknowledge that this is an attack by any other name on our Muslim communities”.
When contacted for comment, Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manchester stated:
I am concerned to hear reports of last night’s incident at Manchester Central Mosque.
I know this news will be distressing for our community, especially for our Muslim colleagues and students, particularly during Ramadan – a sacred time of reflection, spiritual renewal and connection with family and friends.
No one should ever feel unsafe attending their place of worship or simply going about their daily lives. While I am relieved that no one was physically harmed, I do not underestimate the fear and shock this will have caused not only to the 2,000 worshippers present, but to our wider Muslim community. I commend the courage and swift actions of those who acted quickly.
If you are affected, please do not try to cope alone. Support is available through the University and the Students’ Union, including 24/7 wellbeing services. Further details can be found via the Student Support website and the Students’ Union Advice Centre.
You may also wish to contact Mohammed Ullah, our Muslim Chaplain, who can be reached at [email protected]. Our wider Multi-faith Chaplaincy team is also available to support students and colleagues of all faiths and none.
If you need immediate help on campus, you can contact support or security at any time using the SafeZone app, including in University residences at Fallowfield and Victoria Park. Campus Support and Security can also be contacted on 0161 306 9966, which is printed on the back of your University ID card.
In moments like this, looking out for one another matters. Please take care and reach out for support if you need it.
Duncan Ivison
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manchester
