'Pastor' held over abuse claims

Scotland Yard said the arrest was prompted by BBC information

Police have arrested a pastor allegedly involved in a case of child abuse, in which the parents were told their son was possessed by demons.

Scotland Yard said officers from its Child Abuse Investigation Command had arrested a man, 40, in south London on suspicion of inciting child cruelty.

It said the arrest followed information broadcast by the BBC and included in a report on Radio 4's Today programme.

The man remains in police custody and inquiries are ongoing, police said.

A report by BBC correspondent Angus Stickler broadcast on Today alleged that pastor Dieudonne Tukala had diagnosed a nine-year-old boy, whose parents are from the Democratic Republic of Congo, as being possessed by demons.

Police would not confirm whether the man arrested was Dr Tukala.