Karl George (pictured) was among those stabbed

A man has been charged with attempted murder after three worshippers were hurt in church by the suspect who wielded a 'kitchen knife' in front of a horrified 150-strong Sunday service congregation.

One victim, 33, suffered a neck wound before two other members of the congregation at the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church in Aston, Birmingham, hurt their hands while restraining the attacker.

John Delahaye, 47, of Aston, has also been charged with two counts of wounding and possession of a bladed weapon, and will appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Monday.

The church has named the victims as Karl George, Adam Brooks and Jorge George.

Minister Kevin Hutchinson said about 150 people were taking part in the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church's Sunday service shortly before 11am when 'a man with a knife stormed into our sanctuary'.

He said the attacker was challenged at the door by ushers and restrained.

He added: 'He drew out a large kitchen knife and was restrained by a number of members, about three. Three members were injured and were taken to hospital.

'The men in the church were able to restrain him until the police and paramedics came.'

Officers arrested a man, 46, at the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church (pictured) in Aston, Birmingham, on suspicion of attempted murder, after three of the congregation were hurt

Officers at the scene arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.

The man with the neck wound is now in a stable condition in hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: 'Two people who helped restrain the offender were taken to hospital with minor hand injuries.

'Early indications suggest that the offender and victim knew each other and that this was a targeted attack.

'This is not believed to be a terrorism related incident.

A witness said: 'I was driving past because I wanted to go to the Office Warehouse opposite. I counted seven police cars and distressed worshippers.

The church has thanked its congregation (pictured in a similar service to today's stabbing on a Sunday in June) for the support it has received since the attack this morning

Minister Kevin Hutchinson (pictured giving a sermon at the church) said about 150 people were taking part in the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church's Sunday service when 'a man with a knife stormed into our sanctuary'

'First the rapid response came followed by two air ambulances. The air ambulance landed in the car park of the old Staples building. Police officers dressed in black were walking in and out of the building making sure it was secure.'

A police cordon was in place for much of the morning but has now been removed.

A statement on the church's Facebook page confirmed three worshippers had been knifed.

It said: 'Three members of our congregation were injured following a knife attack all of whom have been taken to hospital.

'The following individuals were injured - Elder Karl George, Adam Brooks and Jorge George. No injuries were life threatening.

The Birmingham-based branch of the church was set up in 2002 and is run by Bishop Melvin Brooks (pictured) and his wife Pastor Yvonne Brooks

'At this time we are restricting hospital visits to family only and we will keep you updated as regularly as possible.

'We would like to thank all of our members and friends that were with us this morning for your cooperation, bravery and support and thank everyone else for your prayers.'

The church follows the Pentecostal movement, which has a strong base in Nigerian communities.

The Birmingham-based branch was set up in 2002 and is run by Bishop Melvin Brooks and his wife Pastor Yvonne Brooks.