Man arrested over alleged racist, violent attack on a Priest at Fawkner

A man is in custody over an allegedly racist, violent attack on a Priest.

Witnesses have described hearing a commotion at the rear of St. Matthews church in Fawkner just before mass was due to get underway on Sunday.

48-year-old Father Tomy Kalathoor Matthew emerged with a stab wound to his neck.

Detective Senior Constable Rhiannon Norton says thankfully his injuries were not life-threatening.

The 72-year-old Fawkner man, believed to be of Italian heritage, was arrested last night.

It’s alleged he had taken issue with the priest’s Indian heritage – accused him of being a Hindu or a Muslim and therefore unqualified to say mass.

 

Written by Pat Mitchell