German axeman attacks monks at prayers

BERLIN - A German man attacked two monks with a hatchet during a service on Saturday in the city of Trier, police said on Sunday.

The 49-year-old interrupted evening prayers and was asked to leave the chapel, whereupon he pulled an axe from a plastic bag and set about the monks.

A 75-year-old brother sustained head injuries and a 45-year-old monk suffered wounds to his face. Neither man's life was in danger.

Their assailant, a resident of Trier in western Germany, has been committed to a psychiatric hospital.

- REUTERS