A woman in her 50s has been injured in a knife attack before Mass at a church in Tramore, County Waterford. A man in his 30s has been arrested at a nearby residence and is being detained at a police station in County Waterford.

The victim received serious, non-life-threatening injuries following the incident, which took place during a Rosary recitation at about 9.45am today. Armed police responded to the scene at Holy Cross Church, with gardaí stating that they are still attempting to establish the motive for the attack.

In a statement, the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore said it was “deeply shocked” by the violent incident.

The Diocese said: Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured parishioner, and we pray for her full and speedy recovery.

“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.”

A garda spokesperson said that they had seized a knife which will be technically examined.

“Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward," the spokesperson said.