Knife attacker stabs woman at the altar during mass at Irish church

A knife attacker has stabbed a woman during mass at a church in Ireland.

The woman, in her 50s, is understood to have been stabbed at the altar of the church and was rushed to hospital for treatment, according to the Irish Examiner.

Police arrested a man in his 30s at a house nearby after the assault took place at the Holy Cross Church in the seaside town of Tramore in Waterford, Ireland at around 9.45am on Tuesday.

She has suffered from serious, but non life-threatening injuries. 

It is understood that the man walked into the church and accosted the woman and then stabbed her. It is not yet known if they knew each other.

The Diocese of Waterford & Lismore said in a statement it was 'deeply shocked' by 'a violent incident' that took place at the church.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured parishioner, and we pray for her full and speedy recovery,' it said in a statement.

'We ask the people of the Diocese to pray for the injured woman, for everyone affected by this distressing incident, and for the parish community of Holy Cross, Tramore.' 

'We wish to commend the courage and presence of mind shown by the parishioners who assisted during this frightening incident.

'We also thank the priests of the parish for their immediate pastoral care and concern, and we express our sincere gratitude to An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service and all emergency personnel for their prompt response.

The attack is not thought to be linked to radicalisation and the Irish man is thought to be local and known to police in relation to mental health issues. 

Irish police, known as Gardaí, are appealing for witnesses or those with video footage to come forward.

A statement said: “A female, aged in her 50s was conveyed to Waterford University Hospital for treatment of serious but non-life threatening injuries.

'Gardaí arrested a man, aged in his 30s, at a domestic residence located nearby.

'The male is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act in a garda station in Co Waterford.

'Gardaí seized a knife which will be technically examined.'

Police said the knife would be technically examined.