Man charged with attempted murder for stabbing 3 worshippers at Birmingham church

A man has been charged with attempted murder after he stormed a church in Birmingham and attacked three worshippers with a "large kitchen knife" on Sunday.

A minister and two members of the congregation were injured after they were stabbed by John Delahaye, 47, who stormed into the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church during a worship service.

Minister Kevin Hutchinson said that about 150 people were taking part in the Church's Sunday service when the attacker came into the church just before 11 a.m.

"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," Hutchinson told Birmingham Mail. "The men in the church were able to restrain him until the police and paramedics came," he added.

A 33-year-old man suffered a neck wound, and two other members of the congregation sustained hand injuries while restraining the attacker.

Delahaye was apprehended by the authorities and charged with attempted murder, as well as two counts of wounding and possession of a bladed weapon.

West Midlands Police said that officers were called to the church off Rocky Lane, in the Aston area of the city, at around 10.50 a.m. on Sunday.

The authorities confirmed that a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and noted that the 33-year-old man who suffered injuries to his neck is now in a stable condition.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said they believed the incident was not related to terrorism, adding that there were indications that "the offender and victim knew each other and that this was a targeted attack."

One of the victims was Elder Karl George, who serves as the senior leader at the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church, where he delivers sermons.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the church confirmed that the victims have been brought to the hospital.

"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," the statement read.

"At this time we are restricting hospital visits to family only and we will keep you updated as regularly as possible," it continued.

A police cordon that was placed at the scene for much of the morning has since been removed, according to Daily Mail.

New Jerusalem Apostolic Church is part of the Pentecostal Movement, which has a strong base in Nigerian communities. The church's branch in Birmingham was established in 2002 and is run by Bishop Melvin Brooks and his wife, Pastor Yvonne Brooks.