Bishop, churchgoers stabbed during service at Wakeley’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church in western Sydney

WARNING: Distressing content.

Tense scenes have erupted at a church in western Sydney after a Christian bishop and three churchgoers were stabbed by a man during a live-streamed service.

About 7.10pm on Monday, police and ambulance crews were called to Wakeley’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church on Box Rd following reports of multiple people being stabbed.

Newsletters: Breaking news as it happens. Subscribe now

Video circulating online appears to show Christian leader Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel being attacked while delivering the sermon.

The video of the live-streamed service, posted to social media, shows a man dressed in black approaching the altar before allegedly stabbing the bishop several times in the head and upper body as parishioners screamed and ran to the cleric’s aid.

The live feed of the mass then cuts out.

The attack was caught on the church’s live-stream. Credit: Supplied

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated four patients at the scene including a man in his 50s for multiple lacerations. He was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a serious condition. A second man in his 30s was also treated for lacerations and taken to hospital.

A man in his 20s was treated at the scene for a cut to his hand and a man in his 60s for a laceration to his arm.

Their injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Following the live-stream, an angry mob of hundreds descended on the church where riot police forcibly moved the crowd on after police cars were smashed.

“Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command, supported by multiple police resources from a number of commands and specialist units attended,” police said in an update.

“A large police response is underway and the public is urged to avoid the area.

“More information will be provided once it becomes available.”

Police confirmed a man had been arrested and is assisting with their inquiries. He has since been removed from the church and remains in custody at an “undisclosed location”.

Police said they were still working to restore order hours after the stabbing, as a helicopter flew overhead urging the crowd to leave the area.

People are seen in the street following the stabbing. Credit: SS/AAPIMAGE
A police vehicle with a smashed windscreen is seen after police held back an angry mob following the stabbing. Credit: BRA SS/AAPIMAGE

Liverpool Hospital’s Emergency Department was also forced to close to members of the public not requiring emergency care for a period of time as a “precautionary measure” after crowds gathered outside.

“The ED remained open at all times to those requiring care, including those arriving via personal car or via ambulance,” a hospital spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.

The church said Bishop Emmanuel and a senior priest were in a stable condition and also appealed for calm.

“We ask for your prayers at this time,” the church said in a statement on social media.

“We also kindly ask anyone at the church to leave in peace as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, teaches us.”

Police are seen following a stabbing at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in the suburb of Wakeley in Sydney. Credit: BRA SS/AAPIMAGE

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the scene was disturbing but urged calm.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe,” the premier said.

“It’s important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of Police and Emergency Services.

“We are a strong community in NSW and it’s important that we all stick together, particularly in the face of adversity.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said it was profoundly saddened and shocked about the brutal attack on Bishop Emmanuel.

National President and Grand Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Inamul Haq Kauser said the community unequivocally condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to all those injured in the attack and wish them a speedy and complete recovery.”

Cumberland City Councillor and former Mayor Steve Christou has condemned the “unprovoked and mindless attack” on the “beloved” Western Sydney bishop.

“There is no excuse whatsoever to attack a man of faith and God in a place of worship whilst delivering a church service,” Christou said.

“Whilst we are all angry, and hurting I urge my brothers and sisters in Western Sydney to show restraint instead focusing on love and prayer. It’s what the Bishop would want and expect. We will all get through this together in peace, love and unity.”

The attack comes two days after Sydney and the nation were left reeling by a stabbing rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction that killed six people. Joel Cauchi was shot dead during the rampage on Saturday, which also injured seven people including a baby girl.

There is no suggestion the two events are linked.

– with AAP

FOLLOW US ON GOOGLE NEWS

Read original article here

Denial of responsibility! Swift Telecast is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, all materials to their authors. If you are the owner of the content and do not want us to publish your materials, please contact us by email – swifttelecast.com. The content will be deleted within 24 hours.

Leave a Comment