Man arrested after live video of Quran being burned in Manchester

February 2, 2025

A man has been arrested after appearing to burn a copy of The Quran in Manchester city centre today. The act was advertised beforehand and streamed live on social media earlier today (Saturday).

In footage streamed on X, formerly Twitter, a man could be seen standing in The Glade of Light – the memorial to those who killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing – near Victoria Station.

He then was filmed as he set light to pages of the Islamic holy book. A man could be seen approaching him and trying to grab the book out of his hand as he did it.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed a 47-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He is currently in custody for questioning they said.

Assistant Chief Constable Stephanie Parker said: “We understand the deep concern this will cause within some of our diverse communities and are aware of a live video circulating.

Posts accompanying the video on X said the act was carried out ‘in solidarity’ with Salwan Momika.

While I am fully aware of the consequences, Salwan was a personal friend to me. Join me tomorrow as I burn the Quran in the centre of Manchester. Please share this as I am currently being heavily suppressed for my posts.

I am using the MEN photograph with the pixellated face deliberately. This man has enough to contend with in police custory without me spreading his features to every violent jihadi in the north.