A Muslim entered a mosque in northern France and repeatedly beat two elderly men with a baty, killing one and badly injuring the other

The assailant identified only as “Seddik” — his first name — carried out the attack in the tiny Ennour mosque in the city of Arras shortly after afternoon prayers. A local police official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of office policy, said that the suspect lived in Arras, was in his 30s, and had a police record for violence. The attacker used a heavy self-styled stick, the police official said. Several worshippers pounced on the assailant and subdued him until police arrived, and he was being held in custody, the official said, adding that one victim had been killed and the other was hospitalized in critical condition. The attacker was a regular worshipper at the mosque. France is home to Western Europe’s largest Muslim community — estimated to be about 5 million people. Many trace their roots to north and west Africa.