MEND Statement on Manchester Central Mosque Attempted Attack

Last night, two men armed with an axe, hammer, knife and other weapons entered Manchester Central Mosque, during evening prayers. One was apprehended while the other fled the scene.

No attack took place and no worshippers were harmed. Alhamdulillah. We commend mosque security and volunteers for acting swiftly to protect those inside.

We are profoundly disappointed by the lack of a statement by Greater Manchester Police commenting on this incident, reassuring the Muslim community, and outlining how they intend to keep mosques safe from further such attacks.

This planned attack comes against a backdrop of persistently high levels of anti-Muslim hate crime, with nearly half of all reported religious hate crimes in the UK targeting Muslims. It also follows a weekend in which Islamophobic rhetoric was on full display at a Britain First march in Manchester city centre.

We urge continued vigilance from mosques and communities, alongside stronger coordination with law enforcement to ensure safety measures are robust and visible.

MEND reiterates its call for decisive action against hatred and meaningful support for communities facing rising Islamophobia.