Police were called to the Manchester Central Mosque after two men reportedly armed with an axe and a knife entered the building during Ramadan prayers. Volunteers allege the pair were acting suspiciously inside the Upper Park Road building in Victoria Park at around 8.30pm on Tuesday night, triggering an emergency police response.

The mosque said volunteers discovered an axe inside a bag placed in the main prayer hall, while a second man was taken into a separate room where a hammer and a knife were allegedly found. Volunteers said they quickly intervened after noticing the suspicious behaviour and alerted police. The mosque said the men were challenged by staff and separated from worshippers before officers arrived. The incident is reported to have happened while the mosque was busy with evening prayers attended by families and children. Officers swiftly attended the scene and arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B. He remains in custody for questioning.

As part of a statement on behalf of Great Manchester Manchester police, Superintendent Simon Nasim of City of Manchester Central district said: "Yesterday evening officers attended a local mosque after it was reported that two men were acting suspiciously and carrying an offensive weapon while people were worshipping during the holy month of Ramadan.

"We have swiftly arrested one individual and officers are working to locate the second man. No threats were made and thankfully, no one was injured.

"You may notice an increased presence of patrols in the area while our enquiries continue. Please feel free to chat with our officers and let them know your concerns.

"There's no place for weapons on our streets and we are committed to ensure all our communities feel safe to worship in peace and go about their daily lives without fear.

"Anyone committing such offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law."

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In a statement issued the following day, Manchester Central Mosque said a "serious security incident" had taken place during evening Taraweeh prayers.

The mosque said one of the men entered wearing a high-visibility jacket and carrying a large bag, which volunteers became suspicious of. He was escorted to a separate room where weapons were allegedly found including a hammer and a knife.

He was evenutally arrested by the police. The mosque says the second man left shortly after police arrived and as of yet, has not been reproted to have been arrested by Greater Mancehster police.

"All relevant information and CCTV footage has been passed onto the police who are continuing their investigation. The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years.

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

The mosques has urged attendees to be 'vigilant', with people advised to 'travel in groups where possible and not leave children unattended'.

A spokesperson added: "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."

A search is now underway to find the second man. The force said 'no threats were made and nobody was injured'.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to help with enquiries. Anyone with information is urged to contact GMP on 101 or via the LiveChat function on our website.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.