POLICE have launched a search for a gunman this afternoon after he allegedly charged a mosque.
The thug is believed to have pulled the weapon while approaching a crowd emerging from the building after afternoon prayers.
According to cops, a pair of men on bikes road towards the Al Rahma Mosque in Toxteth, Merseyside at around 2pm today.
One of them then reportedly dismounted and ran at another pair of men.
The terrified bystanders fled into the mosque, while the man chasing them stopped in front of the building.
He then apparently pulled out a gun before walking back to his bike and making off in the direction of Grafton Street.
No shots were fired and nobody was injured, police confirmed.
Senior officers confirmed that patrols have been increased in the area and that house-to-house enquiries are being carried out.
Detective Superintendent Steve Reardon of Merseyside Police said: “There is no place for firearms on our streets and we will do everything within our power to take firearms, and those who use them to cause fear in our communities, off the streets.
“The investigation is in its early stages and we are working hard to build up a picture to identify the offenders and the intended targets so we can establish the circumstances leading up to today’s incident.
“We also understand that the community will be concerned that this incident happened outside a mosque and we are determined to establish the full circumstances of what happened.
“The use of firearms in our community will not be tolerated.
“Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.”
The force is appealing for any witnesses, as well as dashcam, CCTV and video doorbell footage.
You can submit any report to the force on 111 or by DM’ing @MerPolCC on social media.
Alternatively, you can submit information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 0480 of November 22.