Manchester:
An alleged attack at Manchester Central Mosque in Victoria Park was foiled during Tarawih prayers when a 40-year-old white man was caught at the mosque carrying a bag containing knives and axes. He was handed over to the police. Earlier, a Muslim immigrant was reportedly beaten by far-right activists near Manchester Piccadilly Station. Both incidents created serious concern among the Muslim community, while the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, expressed his full solidarity with Muslims and announced a £40 million security package for additional security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres. The police contingent was also deployed during Tarawih prayers across Greater Manchester.
According to the mosque administration, the man entered the premises accompanied by another individual described as a black man. Security staff intercepted the suspect and called the police. The bag he was carrying reportedly contained multiple weapons, including an axe, a hammer and a knife. The second individual left the mosque before officers arrived. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are trying to arrest the second suspect. The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, condemned the incident at the mosque and said in a statement that he was concerned to hear about the incident at Manchester Central Mosque. “We have provided up to £40 million in funding for additional security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres and will continue to act to ensure communities are able to live without fear,” he observed. The police are on high alert, and the police presence has been increased to curb further such incidents.
Earlier, an Asian Muslim immigrant was beaten by members of the far-right group Britain First during a rally near Piccadilly Station in Manchester city centre. Participants in the rally also demanded the mass deportation of immigrants. Muslim community leaders expressed serious concern over the rise of racism in the city. The President of Central Mosque, Victoria Park, Hammad Khan, advised the Muslim community to remain vigilant, comply with security measures and demanded that such incidents be dealt with firmly in the UK.
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