Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig has called for community solidarity after a security incident at a city mosque and a targeted attack on a place of worship in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The statement follows two separate events this week that have prompted authorities to increase security across the region.
On the evening of 24 February 2026, a man was arrested at Manchester Central Mosque during Ramadan prayers after allegedly entering the building with an axe, a knife, and a hammer. In a separate incident during the early hours of 26 February 2026, masked individuals threw paving slabs through the windows of the Elaf Mosque in Cheadle Heath.
According to Manchester City Council, Leader Bev Craig described the events as an attack on the Muslim community and insisted that everyone should be able to worship without fear. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has also confirmed that leaders are working together to ensure public safety.
Greater Manchester Police has increased patrols at all mosques in the area to provide a visible and reassuring presence for residents. Although the force is working with counter-terrorism officers to investigate, they are not currently treating the incident at the Manchester mosque as terror-related.
Local leaders, including Dr Ibrahim from the Elaf Mosque, are now conducting security checks and preparing for community meetings in the wake of the attacks. Residents are encouraged to follow official safety guidance and report any suspicious activity as investigations into both incidents continue.
