A Sikh priest was being hailed a hero today after he ran to help a member of his congregation who was being stabbed inside a Bradford temple.

Priest Gurmit Singh, 39, heard Butta Singh, 40, cry for help and went to his aid but was stabbed himself.

Butta Singh from Bradford Moor, suffered severe stab wounds to his back and chest and is now critically ill but stable in Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Police and ambulance services were called to the Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara in Malvern Street, Leeds Road, at 5.45pm yesterday after a man ran into the temple armed with a knife.

The two injured men were taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The priest was not badly injured in the attack and is due out of hospital later today.

One of the leaders of the gurdwara (temple) Sawarwand Singh Doshanj, said the incident had left the community stunned.

"We are very, very shocked. Nobody could understand what happened," he said.

He visited the priest in hospital last night who told him he was in the kitchen when he heard the stabbed man shout.

"He said he went for him because he was crying for help. He was very brave. Our priest is a good man. He was talking last night but they had to keep him in for observation."

Mr Doshanj added that he believed the attacker was not a member of the congregation. A 35-year-old Gomersal man was arrested in connection with the incident and is being questioned by police.

Police were appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the attacks, which are believed to have happened in the temple's reception area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bradford Central police on (01274) 376485.

l Two men were stabbed during a fight in Lumb Lane, Manningham, last night.

A fight broke out at 7.30pm involving gangs of men in their twenties.

One man needed six stitches to the back of his head and was today expecting an operation on his hand.

The second received more serious injuries to his body including some suspected internal wounds.

Witnesses told police the injuries were made with a sword.

Police say no arrests have been made yet and officers are keen to hear from witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Toller Lane CID on (01274) 376285.

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