A woman was stabbed during Mass at Holy Cross Church in Tramore, Ireland, on Tuesday morning, according to police. The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m., and a man in his 30s was arrested nearby at a private residence.
The victim, a woman in her 50s, was understood to have been stabbed on the altar. She was transported to a hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore issued a statement expressing shock at the violent event. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured parishioner, and we pray for her full and speedy recovery," the diocese said. The statement also commended the courage of parishioners who assisted during the incident and thanked emergency services for their prompt response.
Gardaí, the national police force of Ireland, are detaining the arrested man at a Garda station in County Waterford. The knife used in the assault will undergo technical examination. Authorities have appealed for witnesses or individuals with video footage from the Summerhill area of Tramore between 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday to come forward.