Man held over knife attack in church

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing inside a church.

About 150 people were taking part in the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church’s Sunday service in Birmingham when a man with a knife stormed into the building.

Minister Kevin Hutchinson said the attacker was challenged at the door by ushers and restrained.

He added: “He drew out a large kitchen knife and was restrained by a number of members, about three. Three members were injured and were taken to hospital.

“The men in the church were able to restrain him until the police and paramedics came.”

West Midlands Police said a 33-year-old man was taken to hospital with injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening.

Officers were called to the church off Rocky Lane, in the Aston area of the city, at 10.50am yesterday. A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A police spokesman said: “Early indications suggest that the offender and victim knew each other and that this was a targeted attack.”

Police said two people who helped to restrain the attacker also suffered minor injuries, which did not require hospital treatment.

In a statement on its Twitter and Facebook pages, the church confirmed that three members of the congregation, Elder Karl George, Adam Brooks and Jorge George, had been injured.

The statement added: “At this time we are restricting hospital visits to family only and we will keep you updated as regularly as possible.

“We would like to thank all of our members and friends that were with us this morning for your co-operation, bravery and support and thank everyone else for your prayers.”