A middle-aged deaf mute dressed in a red and black Crusaders jersey, who witnessed the stabbing, took off after the attacker, chasing him out of the Square and along Colombo Street, where he managed to hail a passing police car.

The police officers joined the chase, and a man was eventually arrested and taken to the Hereford Street police station for questioning.

The attack happened in front of members of a Christian youth group who were last night also being interviewed by police. Parry-Smith's wife was in the Square at the time.

When The Press spoke to her last night she was unsure of the extent of her husband's injuries.

Shaken and in tears, she was too upset to speak about the night's events.

Detective Sergeant Wendy Riach said an officer who understood sign language would interview the deaf mute. Police had about 10 other witnesses to the attack.

"It seems like a pretty cut-and-dry case," said Riach. She could not comment on what type of weapon was used in the attack.

Riach said that depending on the witnesses' statements, it was likely the alleged offender would be charged and appear in court today.

Parry-Smith has been preaching in central Christchurch for years.

He got offside with City Mall retailers six years ago when he defied city bylaws and preached outside their shops. They complained that he swore at customers and drove people away.

City council rules prevent public speaking in the mall but allow it in Cathedral Square.

Parry-Smith would talk for hours, and was accused of marching up and down following people. Retailers complained he questioned the parentage and background of anyone who disagreed with him.

By Kim Thomas
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3681340a10,00.html