Boy arrested after Sikh worshippers attacked at gurdwara in Gravesend

It was "very intense and dangerous", an eyewitness involved in restraining the attacker tells Paste BN.

Friday 12 July 2024 13:05, UK

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an attack at a Sikh place of worship in Kent.

Police said "a male" armed with a "bladed weapon" reportedly entered the Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend on Thursday evening and "attempted to assault those in attendance".

It was "very intense and dangerous", an eyewitness involved in restraining the attacker told Paste BN.

Children were present and it could have been "a lot worse", the witness added.

"A group of us tried our best to contain the situation for as long as possible to prevent harm to the public."

While two women were treated for cuts and bruises, no one was seriously injured.

Officers were called at 8.10pm and arrested the boy, who is from Gravesend, on both suspicion of attempted murder and a religiously-aggravated public order offence.

They also recovered a bladed weapon from the scene, Kent Police said.

They are not looking for anyone else.

A statement posted on Facebook on behalf of the gurdwara's management team said: "The gurdwara is cooperating fully with Kent Police who are treating the incident very seriously, with the district commander on site to support whilst the investigation is ongoing.

"The person was spotted by the Gurdwara security team and police were called immediately."

Lauren Sullivan, the MP for Gravesham, said she was "shocked and saddened" by what had happened.

She also thanked the emergency services for their "swift response to this awful event".

She added: "Full details are still emerging and there are many rumours running about so it is right that we let the emergency services deal with the situation and complete their investigation and release the information as they can."

Detective Superintendent Ian Dyball said: "We understand the community's concerns in relation to the events at the gurdwara, however we are treating it as an isolated incident.

"Patrols will remain in the area for reassurance and we thank the community for their ongoing support and assistance."

Boy arrested after Sikh worshippers attacked at gurdwara in Gravesend

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