17-year-old held after UK gurdwara attack

London, July 12

A 17-year-old boy remains in custody after two women were injured in a suspected religiously aggravated incident involving a “bladed weapon” at a gurdwara in Kent, England, local police said on Friday.

Kent Police said its officers were called to Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara on Thursday evening to investigate reports that a man had entered the place of worship and attempted to assault members of the gathering.

The gurdwara, among the largest in Europe, said Guru Granth Sahib was not present in the Darbar Hall at the time of the incident.

“It was reported that a man had entered the location and attempted to assault those in attendance whilst armed with a bladed weapon. Nobody was seriously injured during the incident but two women required medical attention for cuts and bruises,” Kent Police said in a statement.

The officers arrested the teenage boy on suspicion of attempted murder and a religiously aggravated public order offence. According to the gurdwara’s management team, the suspect was spotted by its security team and police were called immediately.