A MAN was arrested last night following a suspected attempted arson attack on a mosque – hours after the terrorist incident in Woolwich.

The 43-year-old is in custody on suspicion of attempted arson after reportedly walking into a mosque with a knife in Braintree.

Braintree MP Brooks Newmark tweeted last night: “Local mosque in Braintree attacked by man with knives and incendiary device. Man arrested. No one injured.”

Mr Newmark added: “Just met with leaders of local mosque in Braintree which was attacked this evening. Thanked local police for their swift response.”

A spokesman for the Al Falah Braintree Islamic Centre on Silks Way confirmed there had been an arson attempt near the property.

Essex Police confirmed a 43-year-old from Braintree had been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and attempted arson after the incident in Silks Way at 7.15pm yesterday.

The spokesman added that police were investigating the “full circumstances” and said “it would not be appropriate to speculate at this time”.