Naked Man Attacks London Churchgoers with Sword

A naked man wielding a sword burst into a London church service yesterday (Sunday) and injured at least 10 people.

The most seriously injured was a 55 year old man who had his finger and thumb hacked off and his neck and face seriously slashed before churchgoers overpowered the attacker and held him until police arrived. His surgeon described his injuries as “horrific” and said a number of vital arteries had been danmaged.

Nine other people were also taken to hospital, and four of the injured were said to be in critical condition.

The attack took place at Saint Andrews Church in Thornton Heath, South London, during a special mass for children. Over 500 people including over 100 children had packed the church for the service and police are amazed more people were not injured.

Home Secretary Jack Straw offered his sympathy to those injured in the attack. ``It is difficult to think of anything more shocking than having the serenity of a religious service shattered in this way,'' he said.

The priest said he was horrified by the attack. ``I'd like to know why anyone should do this kind of thing,'' he said. ``If he is a drug addict or has a grudge against God or society, well, please God, he'll be helped.''

As yet there is no explanation for the attack.

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