Greater Manchester Police have arrested a second suspect in relation to an armed intruder incident at Manchester Central Mosque on Tuesday evening.
A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a section 18 assault and he remains in police custody for questioning.
The incident took place at Manchester Central Mosque | Google MapsThe first suspect, a man in his 50s, who was arrested at the mosque during the initial police attendance, also remains in custody.
The incident saw two men enter the mosque during Ramadan prayers, brandishing an axe and carrying other weapons - apprehended before they were able to hurt or threaten any congregants.
A warrant of further detention has been obtained to allow detectives additional time to continue their investigation and conduct further interviews with the man first arrested at the scene.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "There is no intelligence to suggest that this incident poses a wider threat to the community, and we are not looking for any further suspects in relation to this".
The force is working with counter terrorism policing to investigate, "keeping an open mind on the potential motivation" for the incident.
Worshippers were taking part in Ramadan prayers when the two men were spotted entering the Manchester Central Mosque, reportedly carrying bags, with one believed to be containing an axe and the other a hammer and a knife.
Attendees stopped one of the men as he entered the place of worship and took him into a separate room where they discovered the bag full of weapons.
The force confirmed "no threats were made and nobody was injured", however an increased police presence remains in the area and attendees at the mosque have been warned to be vigilant and to "travel in groups where possible and not leave children unattended".
Congregants were gathered at the mosque for Ramadan prayers | GETTYLATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said: “Our investigation has been working at pace, leading to us making an arrest for the outstanding man this morning. Detectives will be conducting interviews with him today.
“We continue to take this incident seriously and have been granted extra time by the courts to question the first man, so we can thoroughly explore all possible lines of enquiry into the circumstances.
“We know this has been a concerning time for many of our communities, and we remain committed to acting on any concerns reported to us".
A statement from the Manchester Central Mosque described the incident as a "serious concern".
It said: "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".
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his concern of the incident in a post on X the morning after the incident.
He said: "I am concerned to hear of the incident at Manchester Central Mosque last night. I know this will be worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection.
"My thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services for their quick response.
"We have provided up to £40million 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".