Manchester leaders have issued coordinated statements after an incident at Manchester Central Mosque, confirming an investigation and extra police patrols to reassure Muslim communities during Ramadan
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The city of Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have issued coordinated reassurances to the Muslim community following an alarming episode at Manchester Central Mosque. Local and regional leaders stressed that while there were no injuries, the event—during the holy month of Ramadan—has understandably caused concern among worshippers.
Officials confirmed a joint response involving community engagement and heightened security measures.
Statements published on 25/02/2026 explain that the episode is being taken seriously by the authorities and that an active investigation is under way. Key public figures, including the leader of Manchester City Council and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, pledged to listen, support affected people and take steps to ensure places of worship are safe and accessible.
Immediate official response and security measures
In the hours after the incident, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) made clear they are treating the matter as a serious event and are investigating. Officials emphasised that there were no direct threats nor any violence used, but that authorities would not become complacent.
GMP has assured the community that there will be an increased police presence at mosques across the region for the coming hours as part of wider work to strengthen security around places of worship.
Leaders also thanked those inside the mosque for their rapid and composed reaction. According to official statements, worshippers and mosque leaders acted calmly and quickly to alert emergency services, helping to avoid harm. This measured community response was singled out as a crucial factor in the positive outcome and has been publicly commended by both civic and regional leaders.
Messages from civic and regional leaders
Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, addressed the city’s Muslim communities directly. She said no one should feel afraid to attend their place of worship and noted how distressing the incident must have been—particularly given that it took place during Ramadan, a period when mosques are especially busy. Councillor Craig conveyed relief that nobody was hurt and praised the calm actions of worshippers and leaders who remained composed until police arrived.
Complementing the council leader’s remarks, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Kate Green, Deputy Mayor, issued a joint statement emphasising reassurance and solidarity. They confirmed they would visit the mosque to listen to members of the community and to provide direct support. The joint communication underscored the importance of community cohesion, pledging to stand with Muslim residents and to work to ensure they can worship free from fear.
Assurances and planned meetings
Officials announced plans to meet with mosque representatives to hear concerns first-hand and offer reassurance. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Manchester City Council said they will remain actively engaged with local faith leaders. These meetings are aimed at clarifying next steps, assessing any additional protective measures that may be needed, and ensuring information flows between community groups and law enforcement throughout the investigation.
Wider context and commitments
Leaders framed Manchester as a city built on tolerance and respect, reiterating that communities come together across faiths and backgrounds. While recognising the shock the incident caused, they emphasised the city’s commitment to safeguarding all places of worship and maintaining community harmony. The authorities underlined that protective action—such as increased patrols and engagement—would continue while the investigation is active.
The coordinated statements concluded with a message of solidarity: public officials expressed their wish for a peaceful and blessed Ramadan for Muslim residents and promised to use all available resources to keep communities safe. The responses from Manchester City Council, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and GMP aim to balance immediate security measures with longer-term community reassurance and dialogue.
What to expect next
As the investigation proceeds, GMP will continue to provide updates to the public, and civic leaders will maintain contact with mosque leadership to address concerns. Members of the public who witnessed the incident or who have relevant information are encouraged to share it with police to support the ongoing investigation. In the meantime, authorities have reiterated their commitment to visible policing at religious sites and to listening to the communities affected.
