Priest attacked in cathedral by man with bottle as he prayed

The 35-year-old victim was sitting alone in prayer when the attack took place.

Priest attacked in cathedral by man with bottle as he prayed Google Maps

A priest has been attacked by a man with a glass bottle at a cathedral in Edinburgh.

The priest was forced to use a chair to fight the man off during the incident that took place at St Mary’s Cathedral on the capital’s York Place at around 9.35am on Monday.

The 35-year-old victim was sitting alone in prayer when he was approached by the man who asked him if he was a priest.

When he replied that he was, the man attempted to strike his head with a bottle before using it to chase him through the cathedral.

The attacker made off from the scene after the priest was forced to protect himself with the chair.

Police are now appealing for information as they look to trace the man responsible

A spokesperson for the force said: “Around 9.35am on Monday, police were called to a report of a 35-year-old man being assaulted within a church in York Place, Edinburgh.

“Officers attended and the victim did not require hospital treatment.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland through 101.”

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