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A man has been arrested after a firearm was discharged outside a mosque in York during the early hours of the morning.
North Yorkshire Police said the incident happened outside the York Mosque and Islamic Centre on Bull Lane at around 2:15am on Wednesday.
According to police, a 44-year-old man from York was arrested in connection with the incident. Officers said the suspect, who is a white British national, left the area in a silver vehicle before being detained later by police.
Investigators believe the weapon used was an air rifle. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.
The arrested man remains in police custody while officers continue their investigation.
In a statement, North Yorkshire Police described the incident as disturbing and said it was too early to determine the motive. Officers are working to establish exactly what happened and why.
Police also reassured the local Muslim community that the matter is being treated seriously. Extra high-visibility patrols will be carried out around the mosque, particularly during prayer times, to help provide reassurance and support.
Officers are also expected to meet with the mosque’s imam as part of their ongoing response.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has CCTV, doorbell camera, or dashcam footage is being urged to contact North Yorkshire Police to assist with the investigation.
Enquiries remain ongoing.
