Manchester Mosque Axe Attack During Ramadan
On February 24, 2026, during Ramadan tarawih prayers at Manchester Central Mosque, Darren Connor, 55, entered carrying an axe, hammer, Stanley knife, zip ties, and a balaclava. The attack came just three days after Britain First's 'March for Remigration' drew nearly 1,000 far-right supporters to Manchester. Alert mosque volunteers confronted the men and called police — no one was injured. Connor was charged with weapons offenses and remanded in custody. Prime Minister Starmer called it 'worrying for Muslim communities' and confirmed £40 million in mosque security funding.
Timeline
February 27, 2026
Connor Charged, Remanded in Custody
Darren Connor appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court charged with possession of an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs. The court heard he had zip ties and a balaclava. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 3 April.
SourceFebruary 25, 2026
Darren Connor Arrested, Counter Terrorism Police Involved
Greater Manchester Police arrested Darren Connor. Counter Terrorism Policing North West was involved in the investigation, though the incident was not classified as terror-related. The second man faced no further action.
SourceFebruary 25, 2026
PM Starmer: 'We Must Not Relent Against Anti-Muslim Hatred'
Prime Minister Starmer said the incident was 'worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection' and confirmed up to £40 million in mosque security funding. He told MPs: 'We will not and must not relent in the fight against anti-Muslim hatred.'
SourceFebruary 24, 2026
Man Enters Manchester Central Mosque with Axe During Ramadan Prayers
Two men entered Manchester Central Mosque at approximately 8:40pm during Ramadan tarawih prayers, claiming to be there for building work. Darren Connor, 55, of Stockport, was found carrying an axe, hammer, Stanley knife, zip ties, and a balaclava. Alert mosque volunteers challenged the men and called police; no one was injured.
SourceFebruary 21, 2026
Britain First 'March for Remigration' in Manchester
Britain First held a 'March for Remigration and Mass Deportations' from Piccadilly Station in Manchester, drawing 800-1,000 supporters. Over 2,000 counter-protesters repeatedly blocked the march route. The anti-Muslim march raised tensions in Manchester just days before the mosque attack.
SourceFebruary 19, 2026
UK Announces Record £73.4M Faith Community Security Funding
The Home Office announced £73.4 million for 2026-27 to protect faith communities, including up to £40 million specifically for mosques and Muslim community centres, covering CCTV, fencing, alarms, and security staff.
SourceNovember 26, 2025
British Muslim Trust Reports 27 Mosque Attacks in 4 Months
The British Muslim Trust documented 27 verified attacks on 25 mosques across 23 UK towns between July and October 2025. The report highlighted an escalating pattern of anti-Muslim violence that would continue into 2026.
SourceQuick Stats