Prayer leader stabbed inside mosque

Worshippers tackled a knifeman in a mosque after he stabbed a man in his 70s who was leading the call to prayer.

A 29-year-old man, who is believed to have been attending prayers at London Central Mosque in Regent’s Park, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene yesterday.

The victim was taken to hospital, where his condition is not life-threatening, and Scotland Yard is not treating the attack as terror-related, or seeking any other suspects.

Witnesses told how the suspect launched a “vicious attack” on the muezzin, who makes the call to prayer, at around 3pm.

Ayaz Ahmad, adviser to the mosque, said:

“The incident is not being treated as terror-related”

“Everybody’s reaction was shock and horror, the men were screaming.

“It was a vicious attack. We live in a society where we hear a lot about knife crime and what have you, but actually to physically be in a situation where you’re first-hand watching an attempted murder take place – it’s very shocking.”

The mosque remained open last night, with worshippers moved from the main hall but continuing prayers.

Scotland Yard said the suspect had been taken into custody, adding: “The incident is not being treated as terror-related at this time.”

Chief Superintendent Helen Harper, of Central-West Borough Command Unit, said: “Although we believe this to be an isolated incident, patrols have been increased around the area of the mosque to provide reassurance to worshippers and the local community.”