A WOMAN IN her 50s was stabbed at a church in Tramore this morning.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of the assault at Holy Cross Church in Summerhill, Co Waterford at 9.45am.

It is understood the woman was among parishioners saying the rosary before Mass.

The woman was brought to Waterford University Hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A man in his 30s was arrested at a nearby home, with gardaí seizing a knife. He is detained at a garda station in Waterford.

The knife will be technically examined, gardaí said.

They have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

In a statement, the diocese said it is “deeply shocked by a violent incident” that occurred at the church this morning.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured parishioner, and we pray for her full and speedy recovery.”

The diocese said it wished to commend the “courage and presence of mind shown by the parishioners who assisted during this frightening incident”, as well as the priests of the parish for their care and concern.

It also issued thanks to gardaí and emergency services.

“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.”