Police step up patrols at places of worship

Move to reassure public despite no evidence that attack on priest was act of terror: MHA

- Samuel Devaraj

The police have stepped up patrols at places of worship here after a priest was stabbed at a Catholic church in Upper Bukit Timah on Nov 9.

This is to provide assurance to the public despite there being no evidence currently to suggest that the attack was religiously motivated or an act of terror, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Nov 10.

The 37-year-old Singaporean assailant, who has been identified as Basnayake Keith Spencer, stabbed the Reverend Christopher Lee while the parish priest was conducting evening mass at St Joseph's Church.

Noting that the quick response of church members had helped to prevent further harm to the priest and possibly others, the authorities said the incident emphasised the value of being prepared for an emergency.

Preliminary police investigations found that the attacker was disarmed by two members of the congregation, one of whom is part of the church's emergency response team. Other members of the congregation provided first aid to the priest before the authorities arrived.

MHA said police arrived at the scene within 10 minutes of the call for assistance and arrested the assailant, who will be charged in court on Nov 11.