‘Nothing happened at Lakemba Mosque because it is all a big hoax’

Police have slammed false reports on social media regarding a stoning incident at Lakemba Mosque, saying it “was utter fabrication” and warned those posting comments on the social media to check their facts first.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to the media at Lakemba Mosque with Immigration Minister David Coleman, Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Grand Mufti of Australia Ibrahim Abu Mohamad. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

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Campsie Police have slammed false reports on social media regarding a stoning incident at Lakemba Mosque this morning, saying it “was utter fabrication” and warned those posting comments on the social media to check their facts first.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Albury told the Express the false reports followed a visit by an Aboriginal man to the mosque around 5.55am today (Monday) to support the Muslim community after the Christchurch mosque massacre.

“Nothing happened at the Lakemba Mosque because it is all a big hoax,” said Chief Insp Albury when contacted about the alleged stoning incident reported on some social media. The comments have since been taken down by those who posted it on social media.

Messages and tributes left at Lakemba Mosque. Picture: Chris Pavlich

Fifty people were killed and several injured when Brenton Tarrant shot worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch, Canterbury, on Friday afternoon during prayers.

“The Aboriginal gentlemen had attended the mosque to pay his respect and support the community over the Christchurch attacks.

“When they saw the man with the stick and stones, someone in the mosque called the police.

“But when we attended the mosque, we downgraded the threat because the male presented no risk to anyone.

Messages and tributes left at Lakemba Mosque.

“He was only there to pray with the other worshippers and support the families of the victims of the Christchurch attacks.

“It is utter fabrication and people posting these on social media should always check their facts before jumping to the wrong conclusions.

“There is no threat to the mosque and faithful and we are having regular patrols around the area.

“We have attended a number of vigils and community events over the last few days regarding the Christchurch attacks.”

Hundreds of tributes have been left at Lakemba Mosque. Picture: Chris Pavlich

On Saturday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited Lakemba Mosque to pay his respects and speak out against the killings.

Flanked by Grand Mufti of Australia Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed at the Lakemba Mosque, Mr Morrison said Friday’s killings were an attack on all peace loving people.

“As Prime Minister Ardern said yesterday, ‘an attack against one of us is an attack against all of us’ — from all communities who love peace, who love the freedoms that we have both here in Australia and New Zealand and peace loving people of the world — this is what is under attack,” Mr Morrison said.