(Image: Dylan Connell)
York Mosque will hold an event thanking the community for its support after a shot was reportedly fired using an air rifle outside the place of worship.
Professor Mohammed El-Gomati, a founder of the mosque and its spokesperson, said the mosque is inviting people to share tea and biscuits with its community from 10am to 12pm on Saturday (August 1).
A police cordon in Bull Lane, York
(Image: Kevin Glenton)
It follows North Yorkshire Police saying a man was arrested after a shot was reportedly fired using an air rifle outside the mosque in Bull Lane at about 2.20am on Thursday (July 30).
No one was injured after the alleged incident, the force said.
Superintendent Ed Haywood-Noble, senior operational Commander for York and Selby, said on Thursday the motivation behind the reported incident was "not clear".
"We are carrying out detailed enquiries to get a better understanding of the circumstances which resulted in the man’s arrest," he said, adding: “Any suspected offences will be put before the courts."
Professor Mohamed El-Gomati, one of the founders of York Mosque
(Image: Dylan Connell)
Prof El-Gomati said the mosque wanted to hold Saturday’s event to thank those who supported it – from the county’s mayor to local residents – after the alleged shooting.
He also said the morning will be an opportunity to demonstrate the mosque’s close ties to the wider York community.
“Together we will be greater and stronger,” he said. “We are grateful that many people have got round to offer support.
“We are grateful for all of that support and want to have tea and biscuits to celebrate everything together.
“Nothing will be able to divide us – we are together, one team.”
“Let the police and professionals carry on [with the investigation] and we will enjoy life," he added.
York Mosque Community Kitchen on Thursday (July 30)
(Image: Faizal Mohamudbuccus)
The event will come after the mosque opened its doors to feed vulnerable people in the community for free on Thursday afternoon, hours after the alleged incident.
Faizal Mohamudbuccus, a founder of the mosque’s community kitchen, said it was “great to see support from the wider public” at the community kitchen, adding: “York Mosque plays an integral part within the community and people recognise this to the point of showing support and solidarity.”
York Mosque Community Kitchen on Thursday (July 30) with Faizal Mohamudbuccus, centre
(Image: Faizal Mohamudbuccus)
The mosque’s president, Mohamad Douba, said the air rifle being reportedly discharged was “unsettling for many members of our community”.
He said the mosque has been “overwhelmed by the many messages of support we have received”. “Once again, York has shown that our community stands together with kindness, resilience and unity,” he said.
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Mr Douba said there will be an increased police presence around the mosque “as an additional precaution” but added: “We do not believe there is any further risk to those attending the mosque.”
“We remain hopeful that this will prove to be an isolated incident,” he continued. “York has always been a city built on mutual respect, friendship and understanding and we remain confident in the strength of our community to continue supporting one another.
“We would like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and prayers, as well as North Yorkshire Police for their swift response and ongoing support.”
Mr Douba said the mosque’s daily prayers will “continue as normal, and all of our regular activities will take place as planned”.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the mosque as we continue to serve our community in a peaceful and welcoming environment,” he said.
Police said a 44-year-old York man, described as a white UK national, was arrested following the alleged incident and remains in custody.