During evening prayers at Manchester Central Mosque on Tuesday, police received reports of an armed intruder. A man carrying an axe and hammer had allegedly entered the building during Ramadan observances. Officers responded quickly to the scene and secured the situation.
The initial suspect taken into custody was a white man in his 50s arrested at the mosque. He faced charges related to possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs. This arrest marked the first development in the investigation that would unfold over the following days.
Investigators identified a second individual who had been acting suspiciously within the mosque at the time of the incident. Greater Manchester Police launched a search for this black man in connection with the same event. Their efforts intensified as they gathered additional information about potential coordination between the individuals.
By Thursday, police arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of conspiracy to commit assault. This arrest suggested investigators believed the two suspects may have coordinated their actions. The first suspect remained in custody while authorities sought extended detention to allow for thorough questioning of both men.
Police leadership emphasized the investigation’s urgency and scope. Assistant Chief Constable John Webster confirmed no broader threat to the community existed. Authorities indicated they were not searching for additional suspects and encouraged members of the public to report concerns through standard channels or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
