A mosque in east London is on lockdown after a man believed to be carrying a firearm tried to enter the premises during isha and tharawi prayers.
Metropolitan police say the suspected gunman was forced outside before a shot was fired at Seven Kings mosque in Ilford, east London.
Worshippers reportedly chased the perpetrator out of the mosque, according to eye witness accounts on Facebook.
Police have now launched a manhunt for the suspected gunman.
There were no injuries from the incident and police said officers will guard the mosque overnight.
Numerous witnesses on Facebook said the alleged gunman had his face covered when he entered the mosque.
Abdul Ahad posted on Facebook: “Keep safe… during taraweeh prayers this evening there was an incident involving a firearm at Seven Kings masjid [mosque].
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“A man with fully covered face entered the masjid during taraweeh prayers.
“Alhamdulillah [thank God] no one injured or hurt, but one shot was fired and unfortunately he ran away.”
The incident took occurred during congregational Isha and tharawi prayers for the month of Ramadan.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 22.45pm on Thursday, May 9, to reports that a man, believed to be in possession of a firearm, had entered a mosque on High Road in Seven Kings.
“The man was ushered outside of the building by those inside. A gunshot was then heard.
“Officers, including firearms officers, attended. There were no reported injuries. A large police presence remains at the scene.
“The Trident and Area Crime Command will be informed. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.”
