A man has been charged after a priest was assaulted while praying in a cathedral.

The incident happened in St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in York Place, Edinburgh, on Monday morning.

Police said that a 31-year-old man was arrested in Cumbria and charged in connection with the incident.

He has also been charged in connection with an assault at Princes Street Gardens East on Monday.

The man is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday.

A police spokesman said: “A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with an assault at a cathedral on York Place in Edinburgh on Monday July 26.

“The man has also been charged in connection with a further assault at Princes Street Gardens East on Monday July 26.”