A community has been left in a “state of shock” following an alleged attempted murder at a place of worship.

Police were called to the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend at 8.10pm yesterday (July 11).

A video has emerged showing the moment a teenager was arrested outside the building on suspicion of attempted murder.

This morning officers have confirmed he remains in custody and the alleged attack is being treated as an “isolated incident”.

At least seven police vehicles could be seen lining the street last night and a cordon was set up on both nearby Trinity Road and Khalsa Avenue.

It was reported a male had entered the location and attempted to assault those in attendance while armed with a bladed weapon.

Nobody was seriously injured during the incident, but two women required medical attention for cuts and bruises.

Officers attended and arrested a 17-year-old boy from Gravesend on suspicion of attempted murder and a religiously aggravated public order offence.

They also recovered a bladed weapon from the scene. Nobody else is currently sought in connection with the incident.

Avtar Singh, 44, said he and other worshippers “chased” a boy, who was brandishing two swords.

Mr Singh, who has been worshipping at the temple for 15 years, said the incident was “terrifying”.

“When I went into the hall, the guy was sitting there on the money pot – sitting there with the two swords in his hands, nothing on his head and in an aggressive mood. I can’t see that – this is against our religion, I perceived that much,” he said.

“I just went straight to him, tried to tackle him – he put a sword on to me as well, then I fell on the floor, then we hit him with the thing to try to hold him, he fell on the floor as well.

“Then he ran away around the other side, he ran around the other way, and we chased him all the way along to the Trinity School, and then two Indian lads stopped him there, held him, and by that time the police came.”

Mr Singh added: “I was grabbing his legs and twisting his feet that way to try to control him, then police put the handcuffs on – otherwise you would not have even got handcuffs on them.

“The way he was running and with two swords in his hand, running along all through there with the public and hitting two public people already. It was really bad.”

Ms Kaur, spokeswoman for the Gravesend Gurdwara Action Group, told KentOnline it is very worrying for the Sikh community.

She said: “It happened in the early evening when children are in the place of worship.

“Everyone is finding out this morning and I think people are in a state of shock.

“We're just so relieved that no one got fatally injured because it could have quite easily been that way."

There were several events taking place at the Gurdwara yesterday.

A large number of children were reportedly present as a Tabla class was being held at around 7pm. It teaches young children how to play Indian percussion instruments.

Chips, beans and pasta were also being offered at the venue as part of its free community kitchen from 5pm until 8pm.

“For a gurdwara that size, there should be trained security to deal with these situations," she added.

“This place is just open for people to walk in, do what they like and attack people.

“Thousands of people are at that place at one time – it could be someone coming in with a bomb next. Something needs to be done."

Sarang Gitkaur, 35, has lived in Wellington Street near the gurdwara for 15 years now. She said: “It’s very bad, no place is safe.

“We cannot go outside after four o’clock because it’s unsafe. What has happened is very upsetting. I am a Sikh and I have two children.

“Last night I saw 20 police cars, some ambulances and security guards.

“I have stayed inside since. Now I can’t take my son and daughter to the gurdwara. It’s supposed to be a safe and welcoming place.

“Before it was a very nice place to live but in the past three to four years it’s not been.”

Sharanjeet Jaur, 33, is a mother and a Sikh. She has lived in Wellington Street for 18 months.

She had only left the gurdwara with her child two minutes before the incident happened.

“I was at the gurdwara and only a few minutes after it happened, I arrived home,” she said.

“It could have been me or my child. It’s a religious spiritual place and it’s very hurtful this has happened.

“We want to know why did he do this? I never expected this to happen, it is the first time we have heard of this.

“My mum is feeling very scared and she told me ‘do not go there’. What was in his mind to do this? I feel very bad.”

Some younger people KentOnline spoke to, who did not wish to be named, said they had been warning their parents to be wary when visiting the gurdwara and have been feeling more cautious about their safety.

Newly elected Labour MP for Gravesham Lauren Sullivan also passed on her sympathies.

Taking to social media, she said: “I am shocked and saddened by the incident at the Gurdwara in Gravesend this evening (July 11).

“My thoughts are with those hurt, their family, and the community. I would like to thank the emergency services for their swift response to this awful event.

“Full details are still emerging and there are many rumours running about so it is right that we let the emergency services deal with the situation and complete their investigation and release the information as they can.”

Councillor John Burden, leader of Gravesham Borough Council said: “Like everyone, we were shocked and concerned at the events last night and send our very best wishes to the two innocent bystanders who were injured.

“We have an incredibly close relationship with our Sikh community, who do so much to support all of our local residents and promote community cohesion.

“We understand the community’s concerns in relation to the events at the gurdwara, however we are treating it as an isolated incident.”

“We have offered any help and support required of us, and I know I speak on behalf of the whole Gravesham community when I say we are here for them.

“I would also like to thank those brave police officers who ran towards danger to make an arrest and bring the situation under control as quickly as they did. They have the thanks and admiration of us all.”

Detective Superintendent Ian Dyball of Kent Police said: “We understand the community’s concerns in relation to the events at the gurdwara, however we are treating it as an isolated incident.

“Patrols will remain in the area for reassurance and we thank the community for their ongoing support and assistance.”