A worshipper believed to be in his 40s was stabbed outside a church where he had attended an Easter Sunday service.
Officers were called to St Stephen’s Church in Sneinton, Nottinghamshire at 10.50 am following reports of the attack.
Churchgoers had been followed outside by the 20-year-old suspect, who had reportedly attended services there two or three times before.
The alleged attacker was taken into custody by officers from Nottinghamshire Police while the victim was rushed to hospital.
The victim underwent surgery and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Ian Young, from the neighbouring William Booth Memorial Complex, said: ‘We were just totally shocked, bewildered and we were contemplating that it was just here in our community and how it could have happened to any one of us really.’
A spokeswoman for St Stephen’s Church, Lynda Blakeley, said the ‘thoughts and prayers’ of the community were with the victim.
Police said the attack is not believed to be a hate crime and the suspect remains in custody.
DCI Mark Dickson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: ‘Officers were called to Dale Street, Sneinton on April 9 following reports of a serious assault.
‘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.’
