Months after adeadly synagogue attack killed two, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday expressed “concern" after Manchester police arrested a man suspected of carrying weapons into a mosque.
“I am concerned to hear of the incident at Manchester Central Mosque last night," Starmer said on social media, adding “this will be worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan".
“We will not and must not relent in the fight against anti-Muslim hatred," the PM told MPs later.
AFP quoted the Manchester police saying that they responded to reports Tuesday night of two men entering Manchester Central Mosque carrying “offensive weapons while people were worshipping during the holy month".
A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of carrying n offensive weapon and possession of drugs.
“We quickly responded to the scene where we searched the suspect, arrested him and seized weapons, including an axe, a knife and class B drugs," Manchester police assistant chief constable John Webster said.
Police said they were trying to identify the second man. “At this time, it is not clear what the circumstances or intent, if any, was around this incident," Webster said.
Following the incident, Manchester Central Mosque issued a statement on social media saying: “The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years."
This latest incident comes months after a deadly attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall killing two people and injuring four.
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
