Gunman opens fire outside mosque during Ramadan prayers in east London
Gunman opens fire outside mosque after being chased out by worshippers during Ramadan prayers in east London
- Police said there was a ‘firearm discharge’ at the Seven Kings Mosque in Ilford
- Onlookers said a gunman entered the religious building before being chased out
- He fired a gun once during Ramadan prayers, according to bystanders
A mosque is on lockdown tonight after a shot was fired during Ramadan prayers.
Metropolitan Police confirmed there was a ‘firearm discharge’ at the Seven Kings Mosque in Ilford, east London.
According to onlookers, a gunman entered the religious building before being chased out and firing a gun once.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed there was a ‘firearm discharge’ at the Seven Kings Mosque (pictured) in Ilford, East London
A large police presence was deployed at around 10.45pm and will remain at the scene overnight.
No injuries were reported and police enquiries are on-going. No arrests have been made.
The incident took place place during prayers for the month-long religious celebration of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.
Metropolitan Police said: ‘At this early stage, it is thought that the weapon was a blank firing handgun.
‘There were no injuries or damage caused. The incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.’
They added: ‘Officers will continue to work closely with representatives from the mosque and are providing reassurance to the local community.
‘Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting ref: 8585/09May’
The Met police on Twitter said that a ‘large police presence will remain in the area overnight’
MP for Ilford North, Wes Streeting, took to Twitter following the incident and said: ‘Thank you to @MPSRedbridge for a swift response. I will in touch with Police in the morning re: mosque security.’
An earlier statement, a Met spokesperson said: ‘Police were called at 10.45pm to reports that a man, believed to be in possession of a firearm, had entered a mosque on High Road in Seven Kings.
‘The man was ushered outside of the building by those inside. A gunshot was then heard.
‘Officers, including firearms officers, attended. There were no reported injuries. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.’
‘A large police presence remains at the scene. The Trident and Area Crime Command will be informed.’
MP for Ilford North, Wes Streeting, took to Twitter following the incident and said: ‘I am aware of the reports of a man with a firearm at Seven Kings Mosque during prayers tonight and am relieved that no one appears to have been hurt or injured.
‘Thank you to @MPSRedbridge for a swift response. I will in touch with Police in the morning re: mosque security.’
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