'We know last night's incident is a cause of deep concern for those present and for our Muslim communities across the whole city'
Leaders including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham have issued a statement following an incident in which a man entered a mosque with weapons on Tuesday . The two males were spotted 'acting suspiciously' by volunteers at the Manchester Central Mosque on Upper Park Road in Victoria Park.
A spokesperson for the mosque said they were carrying bags, with one believed to contain an axe and the other a hammer and a knife. Police were called to the scene at 8.40pm on Tuesday night. One arrest was made while a search is ongoing for the other suspect, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said. An investigation is now underway, with police patrols stepped up in the area. A spokesperson for the mosque urged attendees to be 'vigilant' in the wake of the incident during Ramadan prayers, with people advised to 'travel in groups where possible and not leave children unattended'. The incident has not been declared a terrorist incident, though counter-terror specialists are being consulted. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his 'concern' following the incident. Click here to prioritise Manchester news in Google from the MEN In a statement, Andy Burnham , along with council leader Bev Craig and Deputy Mayor Kate Green said the incident is 'a cause of deep concern' for Muslim communities across Greater Manchester and that the incident is being taken seriously. There will be an increased police presence at mosques around the region over the coming days. It read: 'We know last night's incident at Manchester Central Mosque is a cause of deep concern for those present and for our Muslim communities across the whole city region, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. 'It is important to say there were no direct threats nor any violence used. However, there is no complacency. While we are relieved no one was hurt, Greater Manchester Police are treating this as a serious incident and have an ongoing investigation. 'We commend those at the mosque who acted quickly to alert GMP, and we will be visiting later today to listen to members of the community and provide what reassurance we can. 'GMP has also given us an assurance that there will be an increased police presence at all of our mosques over the coming hours, as part of ongoing work to strengthen security around all places of worship in Greater Manchester.' Police have confirmed one man, aged in his 50s, had been arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs. He has been taken into custody for questioning. A search is underway to find the second man. The force said 'no threats were made and nobody was injured'. A GMP spokesperson said the incident has not been declared a terrorist incident, though counter-terror specialists are being consulted. Assistant Chief Constable John Webster Webster said: 'The man had reportedly claimed to be in the mosque to do work on the building, but staff had no knowledge of this. They rightly acted on their suspicions and called police. There was no suggestion that he made any threats or confronted members of the congregation.' He added that 'it is not clear what the circumstances or intent, if any, was around this incident'. 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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