AN ELDERLY man has been stabbed in a Manchester mosque.

The victim, aged in his 80s, was stabbed repeatedly in the Zakariya Masjid and Madrassah mosque on Clarendon Road, Whalley Range, during Friday prayers yesterday.

Police rushed to the mosque at 1.50pm on Friday, August 17 and found an elderly man with multiple stab wounds.

The man was taken to hospital and his condition is understood to be critical.

A fellow worshiper, a man aged in his 20s, was arrested inside the mosque on suspicion of section 20 assault and is in police custody.

It is understood both men are Muslim and were taking part in Friday prayers at the mosque.

Police are not treating the incident as a hate crime but enquiries into the full circumstances around this incident are ongoing.

Chief Inspector Faz Zaman of GMP’s City of Manchester Division, said: “People will understandably be concerned that an elderly man has been stabbed in a place of worship, but we believe there is an isolated incident.

“Officers will remain in the area for the next few hours speaking to local residents and carrying out enquiries.

“We are in the very early stages of our investigation and I’d encourage anyone who was around Clarendon Road this afternoon, or with any information that could help our enquiries, to get in touch.

“You can speak to our local officers on 0161 856 6151 or make an anonymous report through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”