A man has been charged after police were called to reports of a suspect armed with an axe at a Manchester mosque.

The incident on Tuesday at Manchester Central Mosque unfolded around 8.30pm, during Ramadan prayers.

Darren Connor, 55, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs, Greater Manchester Police said.

Connor, of Gorton Road, Stockport, is described by the force as a white British man.

He was remanded in custody ahead of a scheduled appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court.

A second man arrested over the incident will face no further action, police said.

Speaking in the aftermath of the incident, Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said: “This is a time where Muslims come together to observe Ramadan.

“They should feel safe in their place of worship. We do give places of worship increased attention during this period, as we do with all religious festivals.

“We are increasing patrols to offer security and reassurance to our Muslim community. Our officers will be on 12-hour shifts to be able to do this, certainly in the short term.”