Police in Manchester have arrested a suspect after he allegedly entered Manchester Central Mosque “acting suspiciously” and carrying an offensive weapon

A witness said the suspect, whom he described to be in his late 40s, entered the mosque on Tuesday evening armed with an axe. Four people quickly restrained the suspect and hit him with a fire extinguisher, he said.

He added that the approximately 5,000 worshippers inside the mosque were asked to evacuate and that about 15 police cars showed up at the scene. Nobody was injured during the incident.

Police were called at about 8.40pm to reports that two men had entered Manchester Central Mosque on Upper Park Road and were acting suspiciously.

Officers rushed to the scene and arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs. He remains in custody for questioning.

It is understood the second man was not apprehended by police, who are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Supt 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 inquiries continue. Please feel free to chat with our officers and let them know your concerns,” Nasim added.

“There is 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.”

Videos circulating online show a heavy police presence outside the mosque, which is located in the Victoria Park area of the city.

In a statement, the mosque said volunteers had spotted a suspicious bag and escorted one of the men who had entered the mosque into a side room.

The statement read: “All relevant information and CCTV footage has been passed on to 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.

“We will continue to cooperate fully with the police and urge all mosque attendees to remain vigilant. Congregants are advised to travel in groups where possible and to ensure that children are not left unattended.

“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.”

The reports of the attempted attack come a week after Ramadan began and the day before constituents in south-east Greater Manchester are due to vote in Thursday’s Gorton and Denton byelection, with Labour, the Greens and Reform UK all vying to take the seat.