Priest murdered and seven monks injured in attack on Christian monastery

A priest has been killed and seven others hurt in a horror attack at a monastery in flood-stricken Valencia in Spain.

The attacker – who is still at large – reportedly shouted ‘I am Jesus Christ’ as he ran into Santo Espiritu del Monte Monastery.

The intruder is said to have assaulted the monks one by one in their rooms early this morning after jumping over a perimeter fence.

Three monks aged 57, 66 and 95 are being treated in hospital for their injuries.

Four others are also said to have been assaulted, but it’s not clear if they are in hospital.

The man who died is thought to have suffered head injuries.

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The Christian monastery lies in Gilet, a 35-minute drive north of Valencia, which is still recovering from catastrophic flooding that killed more than 200 less than two weeks ago.

Police are understood to be hunting for the attacker in mountains near the monastery.

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Gilet’s mayor Salvador Costa told local press the intruder had entered the building shouting ‘I am Jesus Christ’ before beginning to physically attack the monks ‘with the intention of killing them’.

A provincial superior said in a statement confirming the death: ‘It was with deep surprise and pain that we received the news this morning that a disturbed person had entered the Friary of Santo Espiritu del Monte.’

The alarm was raised around 10am.

Only two monks, who were working outside in an orchard, escaped being attacked.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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Priest murdered and seven monks injured in attack on Christian monastery

Priest murdered and seven monks injured in attack on Christian monastery

Priest murdered and seven monks injured in attack on Christian monastery

Priest murdered and seven monks injured in attack on Christian monastery

Priest murdered and seven monks injured in attack on Christian monastery