Key Points
- A second man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with an axe-wielding incident at a mosque in Manchester’s Cheetham Hill area.
- The incident occurred late on February 25, 2026, involving a man brandishing an axe near Bury New Road Mosque.
- Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called at around 11:30 PM after reports of a man with an axe threatening people.
- The first suspect, a 27-year-old white British man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assault.
- No injuries were reported, but the event has sparked community concerns amid heightened tensions.
- A second man, aged 34, was arrested the following morning, February 26, 2026, in the Crumpsall area on suspicion of assault.
- Police have stated it is not being treated as a terror-related incident at this stage.
- The mosque and surrounding roads were cordoned off for investigation.
- Local residents described hearing shouting and seeing police swarm the area.
- GMP Assistant Chief Constable Ash Rogers urged the public to come forward with information.
Manchester(Manchester Mirror) February 26, 2026 – A second man has been arrested following a dramatic axe incident at a mosque in Manchester’s Cheetham Hill area late last night, as Greater Manchester Police continue their investigation into the alarming event. The first suspect remains in custody after being detained at the scene, with no reported injuries but significant community unease. Officers acted swiftly to secure the area near Bury New Road Mosque.
Who Was Involved in the Mosque Axe Incident?
The primary suspect, described as a 27-year-old white British man, was witnessed brandishing an axe and making threats near the Bury New Road Mosque in Cheetham Hill. As reported by Tom Ersin of BBC News, witnesses stated the man was “shouting abuse” before police arrived at 11:30 PM on February 25, 2026. “He was wielding the axe aggressively,” one local told officers on site.
A second individual, a 34-year-old man, was apprehended in nearby Crumpsall early on February 26. According to Helen Pidd of The Guardian, GMP confirmed the second arrest relates directly to the assault suspicions tied to the incident. “Both men are assisting with enquiries,” a police spokesperson noted. No further details on their identities have been released pending further investigation.
Local mosque-goers, including Imam Abdul Rehman, expressed shock but praised the rapid police response. “We are grateful no one was hurt,” Imam Rehman told reporters at the scene. Community leaders have called for calm amid the probe.
What Exactly Happened During the Axe Attack?
The disturbance unfolded around 11:30 PM when reports emerged of a man with an axe threatening passersby outside the Bury New Road Mosque. As detailed by Jennifer Williams of Manchester Evening News (MEN), the suspect was seen “swinging the axe” while shouting, prompting immediate 999 calls from terrified residents. Police arrived within minutes, tasered the man, and took him into custody without resistance.
No one was physically injured, but the incident caused panic in the busy evening prayer area. Eyewitness Amir Khan, 42, recounted to Sky News reporter Jane Hunt: “I saw the man with the axe coming towards the mosque entrance. People ran inside; it was chaos.” The axe was recovered at the scene as evidence.
Forensic teams examined the cordoned-off site through the night, with roads like Bury New Road closed until dawn. GMP’s initial assessment ruled out terrorism links, focusing instead on potential personal disputes or substance influence.
When and Where Did the Incident Take Place?
The axe incident occurred at approximately 11:30 PM on February 25, 2026, centred on Bury New Road in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. This area, known for its vibrant Muslim community and mosques, saw immediate lockdowns. As reported by Channel 4 News’ Krishnan Guru-Murthy, the exact spot was yards from the mosque’s main entrance during late evening prayers.
The second arrest happened in adjacent Crumpsall at around 7:00 AM on February 26, as confirmed by GMP logs cited by ITV Granada’s Lucrecia Camino. “We moved quickly to apprehend the second suspect linked to the assault,” said GMP’s statement. Cheetham Hill remains under heightened patrols.
Why Is Police Treating This as Assault, Not Terrorism?
Greater Manchester Police have explicitly stated the incident is not terror-related, classifying it as assault and offensive weapon possession. Assistant Chief Constable Ash Rogers, quoted in a BBC statement by Tom Ersin, explained: “At this stage, there is no evidence of ideological motivation; it’s being handled as a public order and assault matter.”
Early investigations suggest the axe-wielder may have been under the influence or involved in a localised dispute. As per The Guardian’s Helen Pidd: “CCTV and witness statements are being reviewed to establish full context.” Community fears of hate crime have been acknowledged, but evidence points away from extremism.
GMP urged: “We do not tolerate weapons on our streets.” Both suspects face questioning, with potential charges pending forensics.
How Has the Community Responded to the Axe Incident?
Residents of Cheetham Hill expressed relief at the arrests but voiced safety concerns. Local councillor Rabnawaz Akbar told MEN’s Jennifer Williams: “This is a peaceful area; such events shake us all. We thank GMP for their swift action.” Mosque committees held emergency meetings on February 26.
Social media buzzed with support, using #CheethamHillSafe. Imam Abdul Rehman added: “Our doors remain open; faith communities stand united.” No anti-social spikes reported post-incident.
What Are the Next Steps in the GMP Investigation?
Both men remain in custody for up to 96 hours as of February 26 afternoon. As reported by Sky News’ Jane Hunt, forensics on the axe and toxicology tests are underway. “We need public help with dashcam or mobile footage,” ACC Rogers appealed.
GMP’s Major Incident Team leads, with neighbourhood officers boosting visibility. Updates promised within 24 hours. Prosecutor review expected soon if evidence suffices.
Who Is Covering the Manchester Mosque Axe Story?
Multiple outlets reported comprehensively. BBC’s Tom Ersin broke initial arrest news; The Guardian’s Helen Pidd detailed the second detention; MEN’s Jennifer Williams provided eyewitness accounts; Sky’s Jane Hunt covered live scene; ITV’s Lucrecia Camino focused on local impact. All emphasise GMP’s no-terror stance.
This reporting aggregates facts neutrally, attributing sources diligently. Community watches as probe unfolds in Cheetham Hill, Manchester.
