0h 5min, feb 25, 2026 y - 'Axe carried into Mosque' Arrest

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A man has been arrested after walking into a mosque allegedly carrying weapons including an axe and a knife.

Police were called to Manchester Central Mosque on Upper Park Road in Victoria Park, Rusholme, at about 20:40 GMT on Tuesday to reports that two men were acting suspiciously.

Greater Manchester Police said a man in his 40s had been arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs, while officers were trying to locate a second man.

Afzal Khan, Manchester Rusholme MP, told the BBC: "This is the consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims. This is Islamophobia, plain and simple."

The force said it was working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West but it had not formally declared the incident to be terror-related, a position which has been questioned by representatives from the mosque.

Manchester Central Mosque said volunteers had challenged a man, after he had walked in during Taraweeh prayers, and called the police.

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