A teenage boy has been charged with assault following an alleged sword attack at Europe’s largest Sikh gurdwara.
The 17-year-old was arrested after police responded to reports of a disturbance inside the Siri Guru Nanak Darbar gurdwara in Gravesend, Kent, on Thursday evening.
No one was seriously injured but two women needed treatment for cuts and bruises, Kent police said. Officers recovered a “bladed weapon” from the scene.
On Saturday the suspect was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, using or threatening unlawful violence, threats to kill, threatening a person with a bladed weapon and possessing a bladed article in a public place. He was remanded in custody ahead of his appearance at Maidstone crown court.
Chief Superintendent Angie Chapman, the North Kent divisional commander, said: “We understand local people’s concerns about this incident which we are treating as isolated. Our patrols will remain in the area for reassurance and we would like to thank the community for their continued support and assistance.”
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The alleged attack occurred after Sukhasan — the final event of the evening — when the Guru Granth Sahib Ji holy book had been put away.
The gurdwara was completed in 2010 and can accommodate 10,000 worshippers. Observant Sikhs are required to carry a kirpan, a ceremonial sword or knife, at all times.
The arrested boy was said to live locally with a Sikh family and was understood to be experiencing mental health difficulties.
Detective Superintendent Ian Dyball said: “We understand the community’s concerns in relation to the events at the gurdwara. However, we are treating it as an isolated incident.
“Patrols will remain in the area for reassurance and we thank the community for their ongoing support and assistance.”
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Lauren Sullivan, the MP for Gravesham, said: “I am shocked and saddened by the incident at the gurdwara in Gravesend.
“My thoughts are with those hurt, their family, and their community. I would like to thank the emergency services for their swift response to this awful event.”
Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, visited the gurdwara two weeks ago — before the general election — to discuss Labour’s partnerships with faith communities.
Dan Jarvis, the security minister, posted on Twitter/X that he was being updated about the attack, adding: “All communities must be safe in their places of worship.”