Starmer Expresses Concern Following ‘Serious Incident’ at Manchester Mosque
Concerns have been raised following a serious incident at a Manchester mosque. Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the UK Labour Party, expressed his apprehension regarding the situation, which unfolded during Ramadan prayers.
Incident Details at Manchester Central Mosque
On Tuesday evening, around 8:40 PM, two men entered Manchester Central Mosque, located in the Victoria Park area. One of the suspects, a white male in his 40s, was reportedly carrying several weapons, including an axe. The second individual, a black male, accompanied him into the mosque.
Upon noticing a suspicious bag, mosque volunteers intervened. They discovered it contained an axe among other weapons. The armed suspect was escorted to a separate room and subsequently arrested by Greater Manchester Police (GMP). He is currently in custody, facing charges for carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs.
Safety Measures and Community Response
In their statement, the mosque emphasized the seriousness of the security incident during a significant time of worship. Starmer acknowledged the trouble this situation may cause for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a month traditionally associated with peace.
- The suspect remains in police custody.
- GMP has clarified that the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
- CCTV footage and relevant information have been shared with the police for investigation.
The mosque highlighted a worrying trend; they noted an increase in hostility and threats towards the Muslim community in recent years. They called for enhanced resources to address the rising risk of Islamophobia.
Police and Community Cooperation
Supt. Simon Nasim of GMP stated that officers responded quickly to reports of suspicious behavior during worship. Fortunately, no one was harmed, and there were no threats made during the incident.
In light of this incident, the mosque reminded attendees to remain vigilant and suggested that congregants travel in groups whenever possible. They praised the volunteers for their rapid response, which played a crucial role in mitigating what could have been a far more serious outcome.
GMP has ramped up patrols in the area and encourages community members to engage with officers if they have concerns. The police are currently seeking witnesses to assist in their ongoing investigation.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures within the community. As the situation develops, both the mosque and law enforcement remain committed to ensuring a safe environment for worshippers in Manchester.
