Two men shot in the head and neck by air rifle after attending mosque in Nelson

Masjid on Brunswick Street

Two worshippers attending a mosque in Nelson have reported being hit by an air rifle pellets.

The first incident happened shortly before 9.30pm on Sunday when a 58-year-old man was hit in the back of his head as he was getting into his car on a car park on Brunswick Street.

A similar incident occurred on the same car park at around 7.15pm on Monday when a 56-year-old man was hit by a pellet in his neck as he was on his way to the mosque.

Both men sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment at hospital.

Inquiries are ongoing and officers have stepped up patrols.

Inspector Dave Clark, of Burnley Police, said: “At this stage, the motivation behind these incidents is unclear and we are yet to establish whether the two are linked.

“We understand these incidents may cause concern in the area and I would like to reassure residents there will be an increased police presence.

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“An investigation to find out who is responsible is already under way and I would urge people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting log LC-20150819-0721.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at: Crimestoppers-uk.org.

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

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