A man has been arrested in Stanmore in connection with a stab attack on a north London vicar.

The man, said to be in his thirties, is being questioned at a police station.

Meanwhile, a red Ford Escort driven by Asians has been linked to the attack.

Reverend Ian Brady was left fighting for his life after the attack close to his church - St Anselm's in Ventnor Avenue, Harrow.

He was stabbed in the stomach while on his way to visit a nearby parishioner.

Police say Rev Brady noticed someone loitering behind the church near a car-park, which was empty at the time.

It is thought he went over to speak to the man who then stabbed the vicar in the abdomen.

Rev Brady has been unable to give a description of his attacker, but a knife was recovered from the scene.

Detectives say a convertible red Ford Escort was parked at the junction of Ventnor Avenue and Clifton Avenue.

A police spokesman said: "It is thought to have been parked there between 1950 and 2010.

"The occupants appeared to be Asian males, there are no further details. Another car with occupants inside was also thought to be parked nearby."

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.