A brave Sikh priest who was stabbed in a Bradford temple led prayers last night for a man who was critically hurt in the same stabbing .

Priest Gurmit Singh suffered a single stab wound to his chest after he went to help a member of his congregation who was being attacked.

He was released from hospital and last night led prayers at the Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara temple in Malvern Street, off Leeds Road, Bradford, where the stabbing incident took place.

Hundreds of Sikhs joined together in prayer for Butta Singh, 40, who is still critical in Bradford Royal Infirmary's intensive care unit after the attack on Monday afternoon in the reception area of the temple.

Through an interpreter, the priest told the T&A that special prayers were said for Butta Singh, who received severe stab wounds to his back and chest.

"I asked God to give him health and strength and to bring him back to his family."

He said the incident had left him very shocked that such an action could take place in a house of God.

"I had been working all the day but that night I could not sleep. Thanks be to God I am still alive."

One of the temple leaders, Sarbant Singh Doshanjh, said he had spoken to the injured man's family. "They are under a lot of stress at the moment," he said.

A man appeared before Bradford magistrates yesterday in connection with the offence.

Balbeer Singh, 35, of Gomersal, was charged with attempted murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. There was no application for bail and he was remanded in custody for a week. Reporting restrictions were not lifted.

Police are still appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information should contact Bradford Central police on (01274) 376485.

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