Russell Square stabbings: Local churches offer prayer

Churches have called for prayer after a woman in her sixties was killed and five others wounded in a knife attack.

A 19-year-old Norwegian national of Somali origin has been arrested on suspicion of murder after armed police responded to the stabbings. Police said it was a "spontaneous attack" and there was "no evidence of radicalization" or that the man was "in any way motivated by terrorism".

Churches around Russell Square will offer prayer and have said they will remain open for anyone who wishes support.

The rector at nearby St George's Holborn was "called back urgently" from a trip and a spokesman said the church was "open and we're manned and ready to respond to anything".

He told Christian Today: "We've spoken to other vicars locally and are hoping to unite and remain open for prayer throughout this time."

More details of how local churches plan to respond is expected later today.

Christian Today spoke to St Pancras Parish Church, also close to the scene of the attack. A spokeswoman said it has put a book of condolences at the back of the church for any parishioners affected.

Another local church, Bloomsbury Baptist, said: "Our prayers are with all those affected by last night's incident in Russell Square.

"Our church remains open and welcoming to all, as we seek to live out the peace of Christ in the heart of London."

The local MP, Labour's Keir Starmer, said his thoughts were with the victims.