Man arrested after shot fired in ‘disturbing’ incident outside mosque

A mosque was forced to close after a shot was fired outside in the early hours of this morning.

The ‘disturbing’ incident happened outside York Mosque and Islamic center on Bull Lane shortly before 2.30am.

Police said the suspect fled the scene in a silver car and a 44-year-old white British man was arrested soon after.

Police said the weapon involved is thought to be an air gun. Nobody was injured and an investigation is continuing.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement: ‘It is too early to say what may have been the motivation behind this disturbing incident, but our Muslim

Police will be on patrol in the area around the mosque while people attend for prayer, the force said, and officers will meet the imam.

Any witnesses, people with CCTV or drivers with dashcam footage are asked to contact North Yorkshire Police or Crimestoppers.

Mohamad Douba, president of York Mosque and Islamic center, confirmed the mosque has closed as a precaution while police carry out their enquiries.

In a statement, he said: ‘We are aware of the concerns within our community following an incident outside York Mosque and Islamic center in the early hours of this morning.

‘We would like to reassure everyone that, Alhamdulillah [praise be to God], no one has been harmed and the situation is being managed with the support of the police.’

He said a member of the mosque had raised the alarm: ‘A member of the mosque noticed suspicious activity and heard what appeared to be a shooting.

‘They immediately contacted the police, who attended the scene promptly. We would like to thank our brave member of the community for their quick thinking and for immediately alerting the police.’

He added: ‘We are grateful that no one was injured, and there have been no reports of any members of our congregation, staff, volunteers or students being harmed.’

Mr Douba asked the public not to speculate about the incident and to ‘allow the police to carry out their investigation’.

He added: ‘If you witnessed the incident or have any information that may assist the investigation, please contact the police.’