Witchcraft cases involving children in London rockets

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The stats of witchcraft being used on children has been released

According to a Freedom of Information request to the Met Police, the number of children subject to 'faith-based abuse involving witchcraft and spirit possession', has risen nine-fold since 2011.

In 2011/12 there were four children under the age of 18 who were victim of witchcraft and spirt possession, but in 2015/16 there were 37 victims.

The stats of children subjected to 'faith-based abuse involving witchcraft and spirit possession' for the past five years are as follows; 2011/12 – 4 2012/13 – 17 2013/14 – 12 2014/15 – 26 2015/16 – 37 In a high-profile case in 2010, 15-year-old Kristy Bamu was murdered by his relatives who were trying to 'drive out the devil' from the teen.

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The Freedom of Information request was sent to the Met Police

Abuse linked to belief is a horrific crime which is condemned by people of all cultures, communities and faiths

Terry Sharpe

The 15-year-old boy was tortured over at least four days at a flat in Newham, east London – suffering more than 130 injuries from attacks with knives, sticks, metal bars, ceramic floor tiles, bottles and a hammer and chisel.

The teen was eventually drowned in the bath by his killers, his own sister Magalie Bamu and her boyfriend Eric Bikubi, who were both jailed for life in 2012 at the Old Bailey.

Other cases dealt with by the Met included children having chilli peppers rubbed in their eyes to get rid of demonic spirits, being dunked under water for long periods of time and being forced to drink noxious liquids.

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15-year old Kristy Bamu was murdered in 2010

Detective Superintendent Terry Sharpe, from the Met's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said previously that faith-based abuse was an horrific crime.

He said: "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 and witchcraft into the headlines but it is important that professionals are clear about the signs to look for.

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The Met have dealt with other cases such as children having chilli peppers rubbed in their eyes

"Families or carers genuinely believe that the victim has been completely taken over by the devil or an evil spirit, which is often supported by someone who within the community has portrayed themselves as an authority on faith and belief.

"Regardless of the beliefs of the abusers, child abuse is child abuse."

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