Sir Keir Starmer 'concerned' after man with axe arrested at mosque

Sir Keir Starmer has expressed concern after a man with an axe in a bag was arrested at a mosque in Manchester.

Police said the suspect, a white man in his 40s, was with another man, a black male, when they entered the property during Ramadan prayers.

It happened at the Manchester Central Mosque, in the Victoria Park area of south Manchester, at around 8.40pm on Tuesday.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said no one was injured and no threats were made, and the incident was not being treated as terror-related.

But the mosque described it as a "serious security incident" and said security staff had acted quickly in raising the alarm.

'Worrying for Muslim communities'

In a post on X, the prime minister said: "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 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."

Police confirmed the suspect was arrested by police on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Circumstances of incident 'unclear'

GMP's Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said: "We were called at around 8.40pm to concern from security staff at the mosque about a white man in a high-viz jacket carrying a bag with an axe inside.

"The man had reportedly claimed to be in the mosque to do work on the building, but staff had no knowledge of this.

"They rightly acted on their suspicions and called police. There was no suggestion that he made any threats or confronted members of the congregation.

"However, we understand the concern that this suspicious and concerning behaviour caused."

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Mr Webster added: "We quickly responded to the scene where we searched the suspect, arrested him and seized weapons, including an axe, a knife and class B drugs.

"The suspect, a white man in his 50s, is under arrest on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs.

"At this time, it is not clear what the circumstances or intent, if any, was around this incident."

'We are taking this very seriously'

Mr Webster continued: "I know this uncertainty can cause concern, but it is key that we have the time to question the suspect and speak to as many witnesses as possible to understand the nature of this incident.

"To ensure we are appropriately exploring every line of enquiry, we are working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West, but it has not been declared a terrorist incident.

"We are taking this very seriously and have increased patrols around mosques at what we know is a really important time for Muslim communities as they come together during Ramadan.

"We're reviewing all available CCTV and body-worn video to identify a second man, a black man, who was reported as acting suspiciously in the mosque at the same time as the suspect."

Volunteers 'played crucial role in containing situation'

In a statement, the mosque said the UK's Muslim community had "experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years".

It added: "The increase in Islamophobic incidents is a serious concern, and greater resources are urgently needed to address this growing and real risk.

"Congregants are advised to travel in groups where possible and to ensure that children are not left unattended.

"The swift and responsible actions of our volunteers played a crucial role in containing the situation. Without their intervention, the consequences could have been far more serious."

Afzal Khan, the local MP for Rusholme, also said he was "deeply concerned" about the incident.

He 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."

Police are appealing for witnesses to help with their enquiries.

(c) Sky News 2026: Sir Keir Starmer 'concerned' after man with axe arrested at mosque