Man in Manchester Arrested for Carrying Axe and Knife into Mosque During Tarawih Prayers

A man was apprehended after entering a central mosque in Manchester, specifically on Upper Park Road in Victoria Park, Rusholme, carrying an axe and a knife during Tarawih prayers. The man was immediately arrested by British police.

According to the BBC, on Wednesday (25th February 2026), police were dispatched to the mosque on Tuesday (24th February) at approximately 8:40 PM local time after receiving reports of two suspicious men. Greater Manchester Police stated that a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and Class B drugs, while officers are currently searching for the second man.

Police stated that they are working with detectives from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, but have not officially declared the incident as terrorism-related, a position questioned by representatives from the mosque.

Manchester Central Mosque stated that volunteers had cautioned a man after he entered during Tarawih prayers and called the police. Approximately 2,000 worshippers were inside the mosque at the time.

Superintendent Simon Nasim stated that no one was injured and no threats were made.

“The man reportedly claimed to be at the mosque to carry out work on the building, but staff were unaware of this. They acted on their suspicions and contacted the police,” said Assistant Chief Constable John Webster.

Webster stated that no attack or threat was made by the man. However, he mentioned that there were concerns regarding the two suspicious men.

“There is no indication that he made any threats or confronted any members of the congregation. However, we understand the concern caused by this suspicious and worrying behaviour,” he said.

“At this time, it is unclear what, if any, was the state of mind or intention behind this incident,” he added.

He added that they are currently investigating through CCTV footage in the surrounding area. “We are reviewing all CCTV and body-worn video footage to identify the second man, a black man, who was reported to be acting suspiciously at the mosque at the same time,” he added.

He described him as a man in his late 40s with an athletic and stocky build, wearing a grey hoodie and a dark blue jacket with both hoods up, blue tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers.

He added: “If anyone has any information about this man, please do not hesitate to contact the police.”

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