17-year-old taken into custody for attacking two women with ‘bladed weapon’ in UK gurdwara

A 17-year-old boy was taken into custody after he allegedly attacked two women with a ‘bladed weapon’ and left them injured at a gurdwara in UK’s Kent county on Thursday, police said.

Kent Police said it was called to the Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, one of the largest Sikh complexes in the country and outside India, at 8.10pm on Thursday 11 July 2024.

“It was reported that a male had entered the location and attempted to assault those in attendance whilst armed with a bladed weapon,” Kent Police said in a statement.

“Officers attended and arrested a 17-year-old boy from Gravesend on suspicion of attempted murder and a religiously-aggravated public order offence,” the statement said.

Police said a bladed weapon was recovered from the scene.

Police said nobody else is currently sought in connection with the incident.

Detective Superintendent Ian Dyball of Kent Police said: “We understand the community’s concerns in relation to the events at the gurdwara, however we are treating it as an isolated incident. Patrols will remain in the area for reassurance and we thank the community for their ongoing support and assistance.”