A NORTH London vicar is critically ill in hospital after being stabbed in the stomach.

Rev Ian Brady of St Anselm's Church in Ventnor Avenue, Harrow, was stabbed while on his way to visit a parishioner on Tuesday evening.

The vicar, said to be in his 40s, was attacked in Ventnor Avenue shortly after leaving the church's vicarage.

He managed to stumble 100 yards to a house. An ambulance was called and he was taken to Northwick Park Hospital.

Police say a knife was found close to the scene but no arrests have been made.

Detective Superintendent Richard Freeman said: "All the vicar was able to say was that his attacker was big, we have no idea about the motive.

"It is possible he disturbed a criminal event but we don't know."

Officers from Harrow CID are investigating. Anyone with information that may assist the inquiry should call Harrow CID on 020 8733 3482 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.