A man remains in custody this morning following a suspected arson attack at a mosque in Essex.
The 43-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of attempted arson after reportedly walking into a mosque with a knife in Braintree.
Braintree MP Brooks Newmark tweeted last night: “Local mosque in Braintree attacked by man with knives and incendiary device. Man arrested. No one injured.”
Mr Newmark added: “Just met with leaders of local mosque in Braintree which was attacked this evening. Thanked local police for their swift response.”
A spokesman for the Al Falah Braintree Islamic Centre in Silks Way confirmed there had been an arson attempt near the property.
Essex Police confirmed a 43-year-old from Braintree had been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and attempted arson after the incident in Silks Way at 7.15pm yesterday.
The spokesman added that police were investigating the “full circumstances” and said “it would not be appropriate to speculate at this time”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here