An argument that erupted at a Wycombe mosque during Friday prayers - resulting in police officers descending on the scene – started when some worshippers became “unhappy” with plans to introduce a new membership fee.

Officers in at least six police vehicles were called to Townfield House in Totteridge Road at around 1.40pm on September 15 amid reports of a “disagreement” inside during Friday prayers and evacuated the mosque.

In the days after the incident, Shafait Ali, secretary of the Wycombe Islamic Mission and Mosque Trust, said the disturbance was a result of plans to introduce a new £25 annual membership fee, which some worshippers were unhappy about.

He said: “The existing members have been informed about the new policy and have been invited to apply for membership for the upcoming year. It is only registered members who have paid the annual membership fee that will be allowed to vote in elections and participate in the AGM.

“The decision to become a member is an entirely optional one and the facilities of the mosque will always remain open for all to use. Worshippers were all advised that any questions they may have about the policy or about membership, should be directed to the mosque charity office.

“However, some worshippers were unhappy with the membership fee and tried to cause a disturbance in Townfield Mosque at Friday prayer.”

At the time of the incident, Zafar Iqbal, former chairman of the Wycombe Islamic Mission, said there was “a lot of shouting but there was no need to call the police”.

However Mr Ali said the board of trustees at the mosque decided to call 999 “to ensure there was no adverse outcome and in the interest of health and safety”, with hundreds of worshippers in the mosque at the time.

He added: “The police evacuated the mosque and are continuing with their investigation into the disturbance. It was unfortunate that a handful of worshippers decided to cause such a disturbance during Friday’s prayer, as this affected other peaceful worshippers in attendance.

“Wycombe Mosque is making every effort to work with the police to prevent such incidents occurring again and to ensure peace within the community.”  

Officers who also attended the scene came under fire for entering the mosque wearing their shoes, according to national newspaper reports.

In response to the claims, a Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “Officers were responding to an immediate call for assistance and as a result, and to prevent any serious harm to individuals or any further outbreak of violence, officers entered the Mosque, and spoke to people who were present.

“An allegation of assault was recorded and officers are carrying out an investigation into the incident. No arrests have been made at this time.”