UK police arrest man after entering Manchester mosque armed with axe

British police have arrested a 40-year-old man who attempted to enter Manchester Central Mosque carrying an axe, knife, and hammer.

The incident occurred on the evening of February 24 at around 20:40 GMT during the Taraweeh prayer, Caliber.Az reports via the BBC.

According to mosque officials, two suspicious individuals entered the mosque during the holy month of Ramadan: a white man with a large bag and a young Black man.

Volunteers quickly noticed the axe in one of the men’s bags. They isolated the armed visitor in a separate room and immediately called the police. A knife and hammer were also found in the bag during inspection.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the arrest of the man on suspicion of illegal possession of weapons and narcotics. The second individual managed to flee before officers arrived and is currently being sought by authorities.

Superintendent Simon Naseem stated that the incident ended without injuries and did not pose a direct threat to worshippers.

By Khagan Isayev