A councillor has moved to allay fears following an incident where a parent was handcuffed by police officers in a Blackburn mosque car park.

The incident took place at Jamia Ghosia Mosque in Audley on Friday evening as children left the building following Islamic classes at the madressa.

Parents and children attending the mosque were said to have been left in 'shock' following the incident.

The woman who was driving a car had pulled into the car park from Chester Street and was immediately detained by police officers. A short while later, the handcuffs were removed.

Police have confirmed that the woman was not arrested.

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Blackburn Central Councillor Tahir Mahmood said he had spoken to the individual involved and, over the weekend, had asked for an explanation from police.

He said: "Many members of our community have expressed concern following an incident that occurred on Friday evening at Chester Street Mosque during madressa pick-up time."

Cllr Mahmood said, according to witnesses, 'police officers exited a van and entered the mosque car park, where they forcibly removed and handcuffed a sister who was simply there to collect her children'.

He said: "After a few minutes, officers reportedly apologised and released her without further action."

He said a 'formal complaint had been logged', following the incident.

In an update on Monday, Cllr Mahmood said: "Following a full, detailed review, including direct discussions with the police inspector, it is clear this was a misunderstanding.

"Community concerns were appropriately raised and acknowledged throughout the meeting.

"The matter has been mutually resolved between all parties involved. We kindly ask everyone to move forward with understanding and respect, and to avoid speculation."

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "At around 7pm on Friday 10th October, officers requested a car to stop multiple times, and after this request was not followed, they located the car in the car park of Jamia Ghosia Mosque, Chester Street, Blackburn.

"The driver was spoken to, and following enquiries, no one was arrested.

"We acknowledge that a complaint has been made to our professional standards department, therefore it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time."

Councillor speaks out after police handcuff woman outside mosque