Two men have been arrested in northeast London after one of them ran into a synagogue with a large knife, causing 'panic and chaos' among worshipers.

The men weren't believed to be targeting the Yetev Lev D'Satmar synagogue on Cazenove Road in Stamford Hill, but were instead part of an earlier altercation.

Police say the man who ran into the religious building was seeking safety.

Two men were arrested in Stamford Hill, London, on Wednesday evening, after one of the men ran into a synagogue while wielding a large knife.

Both men were arrested just after 5pm on Wednesday - one on Osbaldeston Road and the other nearby. Police recovered a large knife from the scene

No threats were made to the synagogue - where prayers were taking place when the incident occurred - police said.

The incident caused 'panic and chaos' among people in the synagogue, who tried to flee and seek safety,' Shomrim East London said.

Both men were arrested just after 5pm on Wednesday - one on Osbaldeston Road and the other nearby. Police recovered a large knife from the scene.

The man on Osbaldeston road was arrested for possession of a knife and was taken into police custody.

It is believed the man was seeking safety in the synagogue and was not a threat to the people inside

The incident caused 'panic and chaos' among worshipers in Yetev Lev D'Satmar synagogue in Stamford Hill

Police believe he had been involved in an earlier altercation and was seeking safety in the synagogue.

The other man who was arrested was taken to an east London police station following the incident.

Shomrim East London tweeted photos of police at the scene, carrying the large knife that we seized.

'It caused a lot of panic as worshippers were trying to flee to a place of safety,' Shomrim said. 'The incident is NOT terror related. No reported casualties.'

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and say no one was believed to be injured.