A 46-year-old man has been arrested after three worshippers were stabbed in church in front of a horrified 150-strong congregation.
Police were called to the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church at 10.50 this morning following reports that a man had been knifed.
Officers arrested a 46-year-old man at the church in Aston, Birmingham, on suspicion of attempted murder.
The church has named the victims as Karl George, Adam Brooks and Jorge George.
Officers arrested a man, 46, at the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church (pictured) in Aston, Birmingham, on suspicion of attempted murder, after three of the congregation were hurt
A 33-year-old man was taken to hospital and remains in a stable condition. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
Minister Kevin Hutchinson told the Birmingham Mail that about 150 people were taking part in the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church’s Sunday service when ‘a man with a knife stormed into our sanctuary’.
He said the attacker was challenged at the door by ushers and restrained.
He told the paper: ‘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.’
A police cordon was in place for much of the morning but has now been removed.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: ‘Early indications suggest that the offender and victim knew each other and that this was a targeted attack.
‘We understand the attack took place inside the church.’
A statement on the church’s Facebook page confirmed three worshippers had been knifed.
It said: ‘Three members of our congregation were injured following a knife attack all of whom have been taken to hospital.
‘The following individuals were injured – Elder Karl George, Adam Brooks and Jorge George. No injuries were life threatening.
‘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 cooperation, bravery and support and thank everyone else for your prayers.’
The church follows the Pentecostal movement which has a strong base in Nigerian communities.
The Birmingham-based branch was set up in 2002 and is run by Bishop Melvin Brooks and his wife Pastor Yvonne Brooks.
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