Police were called to New Jerusalem Apostolic Church, Rocky Lane, Aston, around 10.50am this morning, following reports that a man had been knifed. Police say that a man was taken to hospital with a neck wound. Two other people received minor injuries after they helped to restrain the offender.
West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) tweeted at 12:36pm
"Early indications suggest that the offender & victim knew each other and that this was a targeted attack."
Minister Kevin Hutchinson was interviewed by the Birmingham Mail and stated:
"A man with a knife stormed inside our sanctuary.
"Our normal Sunday service was going on and while that was going on he came.
"He was challenged at the door by our ushers. At that point he was restrained by them.
"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."
On their social media page, New Jerusalem Church gave the following statement:
"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."