A 44-year-old man has been arrested after a firearm was discharged outside the York Mosque and Islamic Centre on Bull Lane in the city centre in the early hours of Thursday, North Yorkshire Police have said. No injuries were reported.
Incident and arrest
The force said the incident occurred at 2.19am. The suspect, described as a white UK national from York, left the scene in a silver vehicle which was later traced by officers and led to an arrest. The man remains in police custody for questioning while inquiries continue.
Weapon and investigation
Police believe the weapon discharged was an air weapon. Officers have not yet established a motive and are conducting further enquiries to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“It is too early to say what may have been the motivation behind this disturbing incident, but our Muslim community in York can be reassured that we are doing everything we can to establish the full circumstances.”
Police action and community reassurance
North Yorkshire Police said patrols will be stepped up in the area around the mosque at times when people attend for prayer, and officers will be meeting with the mosque's imam. Police have asked anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.
- Location: York Mosque and Islamic Centre, Bull Lane
- Time: 2.19am
- Suspect: 44-year-old white UK national from York (in custody)
- Reported weapon: believed to be an air weapon
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Injuries | No one reported injured |
| Vehicle | Silver vehicle traced from scene |
| Status | Suspect in custody; inquiries ongoing |
How to help the investigation
Anyone who saw the incident, has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage, or other information that could assist the inquiry is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers. Police have indicated they will continue engagement with the local Muslim community as the investigation proceeds.
The arrest and stepped-up patrols aim to provide reassurance while detectives seek to establish whether the incident was targeted or otherwise. Further updates will be released by the force as enquiries develop.
