On the evening of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, a serious security incident occurred at Manchester Central Mosque, also known as Victoria Park Mosque, in the Victoria Park area of south Manchester during Ramadan Taraweeh prayers. According to reports from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), officers were called to the mosque on Upper Park Road at around 8:40 PM GMT following concerns from security staff and volunteers about two men acting suspiciously inside the building. Worshippers were in the midst of evening prayers, with hundreds—potentially up to thousands—present at the large mosque.

Details of the Incident in the Manchester Central Mosque

A white man in his 40s, wearing a high-visibility jacket and carrying a large bag, entered the premises accompanied by a second man described as Black. Mosque volunteers quickly became suspicious when the first man claimed to be there for building work, something staff had no record of. They challenged him and escorted him to a separate area, where they discovered multiple weapons in his possession, including an axe, a knife, and a hammer.

Volunteers contained the situation until police arrived. The man was arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs. A search followed, and weapons were seized by officers. Police are continuing efforts to locate and identify the second man, who left the scene.

No injuries were reported, and the swift actions of mosque volunteers and security personnel were widely praised for preventing escalation and ensuring the safety of those inside.

Official Responses Following the Manchester Central Mosque Incident

Greater Manchester Police emphasized that the incident is not being treated as terror-related at this stage, though detectives are working with Counter Terrorism Policing North West as a precaution. An investigation is ongoing, with increased patrols in the area.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern via social media, stating he understood the event would be particularly worrying for Muslim communities during Ramadan—a month focused on peace and reflection. He thanked volunteers and emergency services for their rapid response and highlighted government funding (up to £40 million) for enhanced security at mosques, Muslim schools, and community centers.

Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig described it as distressing, especially during the busy Ramadan period, but expressed relief that no one was harmed thanks to the calm actions of worshippers and mosque leaders. She called it ‘an attack by any other name’ on Muslim communities and reaffirmed that everyone deserves to worship without fear.

The mosque issued a statement confirming a ‘serious security incident’ during prayers, crediting its volunteers for containing the situation and cooperating fully with police.

Community organizations, including those monitoring Islamophobia, condemned the event and linked it to broader concerns about rising anti-Muslim sentiment in the UK. This incident has prompted renewed calls for vigilance at places of worship across Greater Manchester, with some mosques issuing safety reminders to attendees. As investigations continue, authorities urge anyone with information to contact police on 101.

Impact on Religious Communities and Security Measures

Manchester Central Mosque remains an important community hub in the area near Rusholme and Longsight, and leaders have stressed that such events will not deter worship or community activities during the holy month. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of religious institutions and the mental health of worshippers, especially during sensitive times like Ramadan.

According to a recent report by the Muslim Council of Britain, there have been 34 recorded incidents of Islamophobia-related violence in the UK in the past year, a 12% increase from the previous year. This has led to calls for more funding and resources to be allocated to community safety and education programs.

‘This incident is not an isolated event,’ said Amina Khan, a community leader in Manchester. ‘It reflects a growing trend of hostility towards Muslim communities and the need for stronger support from both local and national authorities.’

Authorities are expected to release more details in the coming days, with a potential review of security protocols at mosques across Greater Manchester. The incident is also being closely watched by national security agencies, who are monitoring any potential links to broader extremist networks.