A 44-year-old man is in police custody after a firearm was discharged outside York Mosque and Islamic Centre on Bull Lane in the early hours of the morning. North Yorkshire Police were called to the scene at approximately 2.15am.
Suspect arrested and weapon identified
The suspect, a white British man from York, allegedly left the scene in a silver vehicle before being arrested. Police believe the weapon used was an air rifle. No injuries have been reported.
Increased patrols and community reassurance
Officers have deployed additional high-visibility patrols around the mosque while worshippers attend prayers. Police said they will also meet with the imam as part of the ongoing response.
In a statement, a North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "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."
Appeal for witnesses
Detectives are continuing to investigate and are appealing for anyone who saw what happened, or has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the area at the time, to contact North Yorkshire Police. The investigation remains ongoing.
