A man has been arrested in Utah after allegedly stabbing a Muslim man several times in what police say was a religion-based attack.

According to court records, the suspect told police that he targeted the victim because of his religion and said he wanted to harm Muslims. Police said they considered him a serious threat because of his violent actions and beliefs.

The incident happened on Monday inside Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, Utah. Police said the victim, a Muslim kiosk worker, suffered multiple stab wounds and was bleeding heavily. Bystanders stopped the attacker and held him until police arrived.

The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen, was taken to Salt Lake County Jail and is facing charges including attempted murder and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Police said Larsen approached the victim, asked his name and religion, and then attacked him while he was getting a bottle of water. The victim was taken to hospital in critical condition. A fundraising page for him said he was stabbed 15 times and needed several surgeries.

The attacker was also treated for injuries before being taken into custody.

Muslim rights organisations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemned the attack. Rights groups have raised concerns over increasing incidents of Islamophobia in the United States in recent years.