Police sealed off the area around three Kent mosques after reports of suspicious packages.

Officers were called to the road leading to Canterbury's mosque this afternoon following reports of an 'attack' on the Imam.

A cordon was put in place around the Maidstone mosque, while police investigated a letter sent to Gravesend mosque.

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Canterbury Mosque Imam Ihsan Khan

The substance in the letters sent to the Maidstone and Canterbury mosques were later found to be harmless.

Police cars and an ambulance were called to the scene of the Canterbury property, known as The Markaz, after a suspicious package was discovered.

Writing on Facebook, the Canterbury Muslim Group England said: "Following a serious attempt to attack the masjid and in particular the Imam Ihsan Khan. The masjid has been evacuated and closed for now with police cars and tapes on both ends of the route.

"No one is allowed to enter the masjid so please make it easy for the police and let them do their job.

"This failed attempt to terrorise the Muslim community will not prevent Muslims from practising Islam freely in Canterbury.

Emergency vehicles at Canterbury Mosque

"Insha’Allah the perpetrator will be caught by the police and punished according to the law.

"Please make dua for brother Ihsan and the Muslim community. May Allah protect us."

Imam Ihsan Khan confirmed police were in attendance but said he could not reveal any further details.

It is thought he opened an envelope which contained some form of powder.

WATCH: Suspicious package sparks police response

A police spokesman said: "Kent police is investigating the possibility that three letters sent to mosques on 2 May 2018 are linked.

"At 12.23pm officers received a report that a suspicious letter containing white powder had been sent to a mosque in Giles Lane, Canterbury. The area was cordoned offand no injuries were reported. The powder was tested and it transpired to be a harmless substance.

"A similar report was received at 3.10pm at a mosque in Mote Road, Maidstone. Officers are currently on the scene and no injuries are reported.

"Officers are also investigating the delivery of an offensive letter to a mosque in Gravesend. No white powder was contained in the letter."