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4 months ago
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A 17-year-old boy has appeared in court after two worshippers were 'stabbed' at a Sikh temple on Thursday night during a 'religiously aggravated' incident.
Police responded to reports that two women had been injured following an assault outside Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend, Kent, at around 8.10pm.
The women's injuries were not serious.
A 'bladed weapon' was recovered at the scene and the teenager was arrested.
On Saturday, the 17-year-old, who lives in the area, was charged by investigators from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
A 17-year-old boy has appeared in court after two worshippers were 'stabbed' at a Sikh temple on Thursday night during a 'religiously aggravated' incident
Police responded to reports that two women had been injured following the assault outside Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend, Kent, at around 8.10pm on Thursday
A 'bladed weapon' was recovered at the scene and the 17-year-old boy was arrested
He faces charges of 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.
The teenager appeared before Maidstone Crown Court today where he was further charged with attempted grievous bodily harm.
He was bailed by the court and immediately detained by officers for a mental health assessment.
The teenager will next appear at Medway Youth Court on Thursday.
North Kent Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Angie Chapman, said: 'This is an isolated incident and our initial enquiries suggest it is not terrorism-related.
'We are treating it as religiously aggravated. It was upsetting for local people and our officers will remain on patrol in the area for reassurance and engagement with the community.
'I would like to thank the local community for their ongoing support and assistance while this investigation continues.'
In the moments after the incident, dramatic video emerged showing the teenager being pinned to the floor by police, as injured worshippers stood outside the building with cuts to their arms, hands and wrists.
New Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner had visited the same Gurdwara two weeks ago
New Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner had visited the same Gurdwara two weeks ago, where she met with leaders and discussed Labour's partnerships with faith communities ahead of the general election.
After the incident, Dr Lauren Sullivan, the Labour MP for Gravesham, said she was 'shocked and saddened by the incident' and said her thoughts were with the victims, their family, and the community.
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