Elderly churchgoers injured in machete attack

By Lee Wagstaff

Five elderly churchgoers have been injured after a machete-wielding man burst into their hall during singing practice.

Horrified members of the group said the masked individual was shouting and swearing as he broke into St Paul's Cray Hall, near Orpington in Kent.

An 84-year-old man and 80-year-old woman were hurt during the incident, but their injuries are not serious. The suspect was also said to have smashed up the vicar's car before entering the church hall.

The attack was halted when two passersby restrained the man.

Police have confirmed that a 56-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and assault.

"None of the injuries are believed to be serious and none were caused by the machete," a police spokesperson remarked.

Elsewhere, a boy who recently celebrated his 16th birthday in south-east London has been stabbed to death at a house party. Police have confirmed that three youths aged between 16 and 18 are being held over the incident.