Boy, 17, charged with assault and threats to kill after gurdwara attack

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with multiple offences after an attack at a Sikh place of worship in Kent.

Kent Police was called to the Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend on Thursday evening to reports of a disturbance inside the premises and two women being assaulted outside.

Nobody was seriously injured during the incident and officers recovered a bladed weapon.

On Saturday, the force charged the teenager from Gravesend 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.

The teenager was remanded in custody and appeared at Maidstone Crown Court later the same day, 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. He will next appear at Medway Youth Court on Thursday.

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.”