Hawzah News Agency (London - UK) - Scotland Yard said the suspect, 28, was detained on Wednesday over the incident at the Seven Kings Mosque on High Road, Ilford, on May 9. The man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of a firearm, possession with intent to supply, and assaulting a police officer. He was taken to an east London police station where he remains in custody, police said. Armed police were scrambled to the mosque after reports a masked gunman had entered the building during Ramadan prayers. Worshippers were part-way through evening prayers when they ushered the man outside before the sound of a gunshot rang out. No injuries or damage to the mosque were reported, with ballistic evidence from the scene suggesting the shot came from a blank-firing handgun, police said.

Scotland Yard said that officers’ initial investigations pointed to the incident possibly stemming from an ‘earlier altercation’ in a nearby street. The incident came amid heightened concerns over security at places of worship around the world following attacks in New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the US. Worshipper Ibraheem Hussain, 19, previously described hearing the gunshot about half an hour after prayers began that evening. Mr Hussain, an apprentice data analyst, said the incident left him concerned for the safety of worshippers during Ramadan. He said: ‘(Christchurch) comes to mind, it’s crazy to think this would happen in London, especially after everything that has happened.’ Scotland Yard said detectives from the Trident and Area Crime Command Unit continue to investigate the incident. Officers are working with mosque representatives to provide reassurances to the local community.