19 teens arrested and bailed on suspicion of criminal damage in investigation into damage within ex-temple in Gravesend
11:00, 05 July 2016
updated: 11:44, 05 July 2016
Nineteen teenagers have been arrested and bailed as part of an investigation into damage at a former temple.
The teens, fourteen 16-year-old boys, four 15-year-old boys and one 14-year-old boy, all from west and north Kent, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
This followed an incident on Thursday, June 23, at a former Sikh temple Clarence Place, Gravesend, which had stood derelict for a number of years.
A police spokeswoman said: "There is nothing to suggest this was a hate crime, however, officers understand the lasting impact that a crime of this nature may have on a community and will continue to work closely with the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara and other community partners in offering reassurance."
Six of the teens have been bailed to appear at a local police station on August 3.
The rest have been bailed until various dates from August 27 to September 1.