Teenager charged with assault and death threats after attack on UK gurdwara | World News

A 17-year-old boy arrested after two women were injured in an attack with a “bladed weapon” at a British gurdwara was charged on Saturday with several offences, including assault and making death threats.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Unit charged the boy, who cannot be named as he is a minor, with “disturbing the peace” at the Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend, southeast England, on Thursday night. The gurdwara, one of the largest outside India, said it was cooperating with the investigation and said “Guru Granth Sahib Ji” was not present at the darbar hall at the time of the incident.

“On Saturday 13 July, a 17-year-old boy was charged by investigators from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate with assault, using or threatening unlawful violence, threatening to kill, threatening a person with a bladed weapon and possession of a bladed article in a public place,” Kent Police said in a statement.

According to local reports, the boy, who was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court, lived with a Sikh family in the area and suffered from mental health problems.

Our @DccKent visited Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Gravesend, and met with community members following an isolated incident on July 11. There will be an increased police presence in the area and surrounding areas this weekend. A 17-year-old boy from the area remains in custody while investigations continue. pic.twitter.com/LeZwgAQL1J

— Kent Police Gravesham (@KentPoliceGrav) July 12, 2024

“We understand the concerns of local people about this incident, which we are treating as an isolated case. Our patrols will remain in the area to provide reassurance and we would like to thank the public for their continued support and assistance,” said Chief Superintendent Angie Chapman, North Kent Divisional Commander.

Police said the “disturbance” took place on the premises of the Gurdwara and the two women, who suffered cuts and bruises, were “attacked” outside the building shortly afterwards.

“Officers attended the scene where a local teenager was arrested. No one was seriously injured in the incident and officers recovered a stabbing weapon,” police added.

British Security Minister Dan Jarvis said he would be kept informed of the attack.

“All communities must be safe in their places of worship,” he added.

“I am shocked to learn of the knife attack at the Gurdwara in Gravesend, where I have often prayed. The Government must do more to combat such anti-Sikh hate crimes because Gurdwaras are meant to be our peaceful place for prayer, refuge and reflection,” said his Labour Party colleague and British Sikh MP Tan Dhesi.

According to the Gurdwara management, the suspect was discovered by the security team and the police were immediately called.

“An individual was arrested by Kent Police on suspicion of attempted murder after entering the Gurdwara and causing an incident in one of the Darbar Halls. We can confirm that the incident occurred when Sukhasan and ‘Guru Granth Sahib Ji’ were not present in the Darbar Hall,” the Gurdwara’s statement said.

“The Gurdwara is cooperating fully with Kent Police, who are taking this incident very seriously. The District Commander is on site to assist while the investigation continues,” the statement continued.

The Gurdwara, which opened its doors to the community in November 2010, was built at a cost of £15 million using hand-carved marble and stone carvings. It is a well-known place of worship in Kent and regularly offers ‘Langar Seva’ to the local community.