Man in custody for alleged church sacrilege in Samabula, suspect assaulted

A man is in custody for alleged sacrilege of a church in Samabula, where he is also being treated as a victim of assault.

Police say the 38-year-old suspect is alleged to have forcefully entered a church in Samabula yesterday, and assaulted the security guard, but was disturbed and fled the scene.

They say the suspect was apprehended by bystanders while fleeing the scene and was then assaulted, which was captured on a video circulating on social media.

They add the suspect remains in custody and investigators are also looking into the issue of assault and are in the process of identifying those involved.

Police are urging members of the public not to take the law into their own hands, as it could lead to serious injury or the loss of life.