Police are investigating reports of a gunman at a mosque in east London.
Scotland Yard said officers believed a “blank-firing handgun” was discharged at The Seven Kings mosque, in Ilford, on Thursday night.
Evening prayers were being held at the mosque, off High Road, at the time.
No injuries or damage were reported, the force said, and it did not believe the incident was terrorism-related. Officers will remain at the scene overnight, the Met added.
Police say the suspected gunman was ushered outside before a shot was fired at Seven Kings mosque in Ilford, London.
The Metropolitan Police are not treating the incident as terrorist-related and believe the weapon used was a blank firing handgun.
People at the mosque reportedly ‘chased’ the suspected gunman out of the building, according to multiple posts on social media.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspected shooter.
No-one was injured in the incident and police said officers will stay at the scene overnight.
“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.
“At this early stage, ballistic evidence recovered from the scene suggests that the weapon was a blank firing handgun.
“Officers will continue to work closely with representatives from the mosque and are providing reassurance to the local community.
“The Trident and Area Crime Command has been informed and the investigation is being led by detectives from the East Area Command Unit.
“There have been no arrests and enquiries continue. The incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact borough officers via 101 quoting reference 8585/9May.”
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