UNITED KINGDOM
Yahoo! News

By Samantha Payne | IB Times

A pastor swinging a child and banging their head to drive out the devil is one of 27 “horrific” child abuse incidents “linked to belief” the Met Police has investigated over the past year, it has emerged.

Other examples of removing evil spirits include dunking children in a bath, forcing an infant to drink unknown substances and rubbing chilli peppers into a child’s eyes.

One case even involved parents removing their children from school to attend an exorcism ceremony in the country.

Out of the 27 investigations ranging from child neglect to sexual assault offences, two cases resulted in an arrest for rape and one being charged for rape.

“Abuse linked to belief is a horrific crime which is condemned by people of all cultures, communities and faiths. A number of high-profile investigations brought the issue of ritual abuse…