Nottinghamshire church stabbing: Worshiper rushed to hospital after attack following Easter service
The attack took place outside St Stephen’s Church in Sneinton, Nottinghamshire
Ashley Dace
A worshipper was stabbed outside a church after attending an Easter Sunday mass yesterday.
The victim was allegedly followed out of St Stephen’s Church in Sneinton, Nottinghamshire before being attacked by another member of the congregation.
The churchgoer was rushed to hospital for surgery after being stabbed in the abdomen.
His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
The alleged attacker as since been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.
Nottinghamshire Police say that they do not at present believe the attack was a hate crime and that there is now wider threat to the community.
Lynda Blakeley, curate at St Stephen’s Church, said: "All I can say is that our thoughts and prayers are with everybody affected by this very difficult situation."
DCI Mark Dickson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Officers were called to Dale Street, Sneinton on April 9 following reports of a serious assault.
The attack took place as the congregation was leaving the church
John Sutton
“Police arrested a 20-year-old man shortly after the incident on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and he remains in custody.
"An investigation has since been launched to establish what happened and, despite the large police presence in the area, I’d like to reassure the public that there is no wider threat to the community."
A church source at the Church told The Telegraph that "everyone there is very upset" by what happened.
Another added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.
"Churches do not want this to be happening at any time, least of all on Easter Sunday."
Anyone with information about the incident should to contact the force on 101.
Those who wish to make an anonymous report can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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