UK rules out terrorism in mosque attack

LONDON: British police on Thursday said they were not treating as terrorism-related a London mosque stabbing in which an elderly worshipper suffered some injuries.

The London ambulance service said the victim had been taken “to a major trauma centre” after the mid-afternoon attack.

“A 29-year-old man, who is believed to have been attending prayers, was arrested inside the mosque on suspicion of attempted murder,” the London police said in a statement.

“The incident is not being treated as terror related at this time.”

The London Central Mosque said the assailant stabbed its Muezzin during a daily prayer. It added that the assailant was apprehended by worshippers until the police arrived at the scene.

The victim “did not sustain any life-threatening injuries but was seriously injured and is being treated at the hospital,” the mosque said on its website.

One witness said the man appeared to have been stabbed in the neck while another said it was the right shoulder.