Braintree: Man Arrested Following Mosque Attack

Police have arrested a man from following reports of a man outside a mosque with a knife.

They were called to the centre on Silks Way at 7.15 last night (Wednesday May 22nd).

The man, who is 43-years-old from Braintree, is being questioned on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and attempted arson and remains in custody.

No one was injured.

Police continue to investigate the full circumstances of the incident and feel it is not appropriate to speculate at this time.

However the force has told Heart that police patrols are being stepped up in Essex to reassure communities following yesterday's attack in South East London.

A man was killed by two men with a machete in Woolwich yesterday afternoon.

Armed police then arrived and shot two suspects who have been arrested and are being treated in hospital.

Essex police say following yesterday's incident there, additional patrolling resources have been brought in to reassure local communities.

Essex Police has no information to suggest any similar attack is being planned to take place locally.