A woman in her 50s has been seriously injured in a knife attack in a church in Tramore, Co Waterford.
The incident occurred shortly before 10am on Tuesday at Holy Cross Church.
A 36-year-old man was arrested a short time later.
Before Mass, the man entered the church and began talking to a parish employee before walking up the aisle towards the altar where a group of women were saying the Rosary.
It is understood he walked towards one woman who tried to get away from him. The man chased the woman and stabbed her in the torso.
The chief suspect is a local Irish man with a history of mental illness, sources said. Gardaí have yet to comment on a motive.
The woman, who is from the local area, was transferred to University Hospital Waterford for treatment.
Her injuries were described by gardaí as serious but non-life threatening.
In a statement, gardaí said that a man was arrested at a nearby domestic residence. He is being held under section four of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 in a Garda station in Co Waterford.
“Gardaí seized a knife which will be technically examined,” the statement added.
In a statement, the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore said it was “deeply shocked by a violent incident” which occurred at Holy Cross Church, Tramore.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured parishioner, and we pray for her full and speedy recovery.
An appeal has been made for any witnesses to come forward. Photograph: Patrick Browne
“We wish to commend the courage and presence of mind shown by the parishioners who assisted during this frightening incident. We also thank the priests of the parish for their immediate pastoral care and concern, and we express our sincere gratitude to An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service and all emergency personnel for their prompt response.
“We ask the people of the diocese to pray for the injured woman, for everyone affected by this distressing incident and for the parish community of Holy Cross, Tramore.”
Local Independent councillor Joe Kelly, who is a weekly Massgoer, said: “Our first thoughts have to be with the victim and with her family. People are traumatised by what has happened.
“This incident of criminal behaviour would make anyone ask if they are safe anywhere, especially in a place which is meant to be a sacred, solemn and holy place.
“I believe the pressures of today are making the fabric of society fray at the edges. To see something happen in a Catholic church makes you feel that no place is safe.”
Gardaí and ambulance personnel responded to reports of an assault at the church at about 9.45am on Tuesday.
An appeal has been made for witnesses to come forward.
Any person who was in the vicinity of Summerhill, Tramore, between 9.15am and 10.15am on Tuesday and who may have camera footage is asked to make it available to gardaí.
Gardaí said anyone with information can contact Tramore Garda station on 051 391620.