SYDNEY — A bishop and several other people have been stabbed during a sermon in Sydney that was being streamed online, local media report.

The incident reportedly happened on Monday night in the suburb of Wakeley.

Police responded to reports that a number of people had been stabbed but said none of their injuries were life-threatening.

They added that a man had been arrested and was helping with their inquiries. The motive for the attack is unknown.

It was also not immediately clear what weapon was used in the attack, which is reported to have happened at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church.

The bishop has been named by local media as Mar Mari Emmanuel.

In the livestreamed video on the sermon, a man dressed in dark clothing can be seen approaching the bishop before appearing to strike him.

Several other people then attempt to intervene and screams of horror can be heard.

"The injured people suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics," police said in a statement.

Those hurt are all thought to be men aged between 20 and 70.

The community has been asked to avoid the area.

The stabbing comes days after six people were killed at a shopping mall in the same city. The attacker was later shot dead by a police officer.

There is no suggestion the two events are linked. — BBC