Police were called to a mosque in Gillingham to reports of a disturbance during prayers.

One man who turned up to pray at the mosque in Canterbury Street reported seeing people with at least one banner saying "We love Manchester".

A KentOnline reporter who was at the scene said there were four police cars and six officers outside.

Officers were called just after 12.30pm to reports a group had gathered outside the mosque.

Dozens of people, including children, were seen leaving the mosque and police officers on foot are keeping the two groups separate.

The reporter said many of the children, including some as young as two or three, looked terrified.

The small group, who had cans of Stella and Fosters in their hands, were shouting at people leaving the mosque.

One shouted: "Stay away from our kids."

The reporter said the group also had an airhorn and have been trying to get cars to beep in support.

They had also been fighting among themselves.

The group left around 2.20pm.

Issa Rumjaun, chairman of the Kent Muslim Welfare Association said there were around 450 people in the mosque at the time.

He said: "What happened in Manchester was atrocious. It was disgusting and despicable.
"Our hearts go out to all the families of those affected.

"Unfortunately the actions of one lunatic effects us all. It is not Islamic to kill people.

"These people that commit the atrocities are not part of us. Every time something like this happens we have to apologise for someone who is not a part of us.

"Our Friday sermon said if someone abuses you to just walk away.

"If people shout don't get into an argument."

Mr Rumjaun added: "We pray that all the families, children and parents, affected have the strength to get through."

He also said he would like to thank the police for dealing with the situation quickly and said the mosque has worked very closely with the police for the last 15 years.

A police spokesman said: “Officers went to the scene where no offences were disclosed. Officers liaised with representatives of the mosque throughout the incident.”