Police patrols stepped up around mosques in Leeds after Manchester arrest
Council leaders have offered reassurance to local Muslim communities - who are in the midst of marking Ramadan
Leeds City Council leaders have offered reassurance to Muslim communities in the city after the arrest of a man allegedly carrying an axe at a mosque in Manchester.
They've announced that police patrols are being stepped up after the incident on Tuesday evening, which has led to the arrest of two men.
It comes after officers received reports of a man armed with an axe entering the building on Tuesday evening, during Ramadan prayers.
Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, and Councillor Asghar Khan, executive member for communities have released a statement.
“We understand any incident in a mosque will be of great concern to Muslim communities across Leeds, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan," they said.
"Following conversations with senior police officers, dedicated resources have been assigned to patrol mosques and other faith sites across Leeds."
"Each neighbourhood policing team is providing a dedicated uniformed officer in marked vehicles to carry out these patrols.
"Police are also encouraging the reporting of any suspicious activities, which will be logged and reviewed daily by the on-duty Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector.
"Leeds City Council is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all communities in the city."