Man held on suspicion of attempted murder after stabbing inside church

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

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. "

West Midlands Police said a 33-year-old man was taken to hospital, where he remains, 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 on Sunday.

A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

In a statement, police said: "Early indications suggest that the offender and victim knew each other and that this was a targeted attack. A cordon is in place whilst investigations continue at this time."

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

In a statement on its Twitter and Facebook pages, the church said: "Following the incident at New J this morning, we would like to give you the following update.

"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."

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