WARNING: Distressing content.
Tense scenes have erupted at a church in Western Sydney after a Christian bishop and three churchgoers were allegedly stabbed 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.
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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 boy dressed in black approaching the altar before allegedly stabbing the bishop several times in the head and upper body as parishioners scream and run to the cleric’s aid.
The live feed of the mass then cuts out.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland told reporters that members of the church “apprehended the young male and held him down until the police arrived”.
He said the teen — who is known to police — is not a regular attendee at the church.
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.
“We are a little bit disappointed in the community themselves. They’ve thrown weapons and items at the church itself ... obviously, people who wanted to get access to the young person,” Holland said.
Police confirmed a boy 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 have initially spoken to the young person, (but) his injuries are quite severe, he’s fairly upset and distraught. He’s asked to speak to his parents and we’re making arrangements for (him),” Holland added.
Police were still working to restore order hours after the stabbing, as a helicopter flew overhead urging the crowd to leave the area.
During the operation, two officers were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
A constable was hit with a metal object and sustained a twisted knee and a chipped tooth, while a second constable sustained a broken jaw after he was hit with a brick and a fence paling.
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.
Police will continue to monitor places of worship throughout the night.
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.”
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
