Reassurance patrols are in place at York Mosque and Islamic Centre after a local man was arrested following a suspected firearm discharge outside the masjid.
A 44-year-old man from York, a white UK national, was arrested after a firearm was discharged outside York Mosque and Islamic Centre on Bull Lane at 2.19am today (Thursday 30 July 2026).
No-one has been hurt and police enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The weapon is believed to have been an air rifle.
The suspect left the location in a silver vehicle which was traced and led to his quick arrest. He is currently being held in custody for questioning.
Police say 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.”
“We are also providing high-visibility patrols in the vicinity of York Mosque as people attend for prayer. Our officers are due to meet with the Imam regarding the incident,” police added.
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Witnesses or anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage that could support the investigation should call North Yorkshire Police on 101 as soon as possible.
If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make an online report.
Please quote reference number 12260145924 when providing details.
Statement from York Mosque and Islamic Centre
Mohamad Douba, President of York Mosque and Islamic Centre released the following statement:
“We are aware of the concerns within our community following an incident outside York Mosque and Islamic Centre in the early hours of this morning. We would like to reassure everyone that, Alhamdulillah, no one has been harmed and the situation is being managed with the support of the police.
“A member of the mosque noticed suspicious activity and heard what appeared to be a shooting. They immediately contacted the police, who attended the scene promptly. We would like to thank our brave member of the community for their quick thinking and for immediately alerting the police.
“We are grateful that no one was injured, and there have been no reports of any members of our congregation, staff, volunteers or students being harmed.
“The area remains secured by the police while they continue their enquiries and carry out the necessary investigations. A man has been arrested in connection with this incident, and the police investigation remains ongoing. We would like to thank the police for their swift response and for their continued support in ensuring the safety of our community.
“As a precaution, the mosque is currently closed while the police carry out their enquiries. We are cooperating fully with the authorities and will provide an update to the community once we have confirmation that it is safe to reopen. We will inform everyone as soon as the mosque is ready to resume normal activities.
“The safety and wellbeing of our worshippers, students, staff, volunteers and the wider community remain our highest priority.
“We kindly ask everyone to avoid speculation and to allow the police to carry out their investigation. If you witnessed the incident or have any information that may assist the investigation, please contact the police quoting reference number 12260145924.
“If you have been directly affected by this incident or require support from the mosque, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]
“We ask Allah (SWT) to keep our community safe, to protect our city, and to grant success to those working to keep the public safe. Thank you for your understanding, patience and du’as.”
