LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed concern after a mosque in the city of Manchester was allegedly targeted by a white male carrying weapons including an axe, Sky News reported on Wednesday.
The suspect, in his 40s, was arrested after allegedly entering the mosque as Ramadan prayers were held.
He was said to be accompanied by a black man as he entered Manchester Central Mosque on Tuesday evening.
The first suspect was arrested by police on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs. He remains in custody for questioning.
Starmer wrote on X: “I am concerned to hear of the incident at Manchester Central Mosque last night. I know this will be worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection.
“My thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services for their quick response.
“We have provided up to £40m ($51 million) funding for additional security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres, and will continue to act to ensure communities are able to live without fear.”
In a statement, the mosque said it had been targeted in a “serious security incident,” and a “white male entered wearing a hi-vis jacket carrying a large bag.” He was accompanied by a “black male, both entering the mosque at the same time.”
Mosque volunteers “spotted the suspicious bag containing an axe, which was placed into the main hall of the mosque by the assailant.
“The white male was escorted to a separate room by volunteers and was found to have been carrying multiple weapons including a hammer and a knife. He was eventually arrested by the police.
“The black male left the mosque shortly before police arrived, after it became apparent that the situation had been contained. To our knowledge, he has not yet been arrested by Greater Manchester Police.”
Urgent resources are needed to address growing threats to the UK’s Muslim community, the mosque statement said.
“The swift and responsible actions of our volunteers played a crucial role in containing the situation,” it added. “Without their intervention, the consequences could have been far more serious.”
Simon Nasim of Greater Manchester Police said: “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.”
Local MP Afzal Khan said: “Just this week, the chancellor and home secretary announced more funding for protecting mosques, and this incident demonstrates once again why this funding is so vital.
“This is the consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims. This is Islamophobia, plain and simple.”
