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Man Charged After Axe Attack at Manchester Mosque

2/28/2026

27 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Darren Connor, 55, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon after entering Manchester Central Mosque with an axe, hammer, and knife on February 24.
He also faces a charge of possession of class B drugs.
A second suspect, a man in his 20s, was arrested for conspiracy to commit assault.
Greater Manchester Police say the incident is not terror-related, but patrols around mosques have increased due to safety concerns.

History

Historical Context

The Brixton riots of 1980 exposed deep-rooted racial tensions in the UK, leading to over 300 arrests. Fast forward to 2024, the Southport stabbing incident ignited further unrest, fueled by misinformation and far-right sentiments, resulting in widespread riots across England. Increased police presence around mosques reflects ongoing community concerns about safety and security in diverse urban areas.

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Story summary

Darren Connor, 55, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon after entering Manchester Central Mosque with an axe, hammer, and knife on February 24.
He also faces a charge of possession of class B drugs.
A second suspect, a man in his 20s, was arrested for conspiracy to commit assault.
Greater Manchester Police say the incident is not terror-related, but patrols around mosques have increased due to safety concerns.

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