Kingston churches have been warned about a man claiming that he and his pregnant girlfriend are escaping the Church of Scientology because it wants them to abort their “spawn of Satan” baby.

The man, who is suspected to have mental health issues, has gone into several churches and the YMCA in Surbiton this week saying the couple were hiding in Kingston because Scientologists want them to abort their baby.

He goes on to claim that his 20-week pregnant girlfriend is stuck in the room they are renting from an Indian taxi driver as she is too large to go out and has no clothes.

He eventually asks for money to pay his rent and a loan shark he has borrowed from.

When it is refused he is said to become aggressive.

A post on the Kingston Churches Together Facebook page said: “We felt that this was not likely to be a genuine story and, whilst we greatly believe this gentleman must be suffering from mental health issues, we do not believe the rest of the story.

“We have confirmed with Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH) that they have no record of this person.

"When he is refused money he has become quite aggressive. We would urge you to act cautiously."

The man was last seen in the Kingsgate Church in Clarence Street yesterday and was in Kingston United Reformed Church, Eden Street and the Surbiton YMCA on Sunday.

If you have any information call Kingston police on 101 using reference CHS36210. The Mind charity promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Its helpline number is 03001 233 393.

  • To get in touch with the Samaritans in Kingston, call 020 8399 6676 or drop in at 12 Kingston Road, Ewell, from 7.30am to 9pm. Samaritans lend a confidential ear to those in distress.