Suspicious Man Arrested at Manchester Mosque

0:00It's February 26th, and this episode is brought to you by NordVPN, fast, reliable online privacy. Links in the episode description, and now, here's what's happening across the UK. Counter-terror police and greater Manchester are probing an incident at Manchester Central Mosque during evening Ramadan prayers. Security spotted a man in a high-visibility jacket carrying a suspicious bag among hundreds of worshipers, and off-do the officer alerted forces, leading to the arrest of a white man in his fifties. Officers seized an axe, a hammer, a knife, and clasp bee drugs from his bag. He's held on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons. Earlier this week around 8.40pm, staff challenged the man who claimed he was there for building work, but they had no record of it. Police escorted him out and searched the bag left in the hall. Meanwhile, they're hunting a second man scene acting oddly, described as a black man in his late forties with an athletic build, short-stubbled hair, wearing layered hoodies, blue tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers.

1:02He slipped away just before officers arrived. The events stirred worry in the Muslim community, especially during this sacred month. Moss Chairman Hamid Khan noted the suspect had visited before, without issues but criticized early police statements downplaying threats. Local MP Afsal Khan called it, Islamophobia, fueled by far-right rhetoric, while Prime Minister Sir Keer Starmer expressed concern and thanked. Responders for keeping worshipers safe. Assistant Chief Constable John Webster prey security and volunteers for acting on instincts with no verbal threats involved. Counterterrorism detectives are reviewing CCTV and witness accounts, though it's not yet deemed a terror case. Patrols around the mosque and area have ramped up with officers on longer 12-hour shifts to reassure everyone. Investigators continue questioning the suspect and tracking leads on the second man to clarify intentions. Greater Manchester police urge anyone with info to come forward, ensuring places of worship remain secure havens year-round.