A Kingston race equality pioneer went undercover to help police in a high-profile investigation into child sacrifices in London churches.

John Azah, director of the Kingston Racial Equality Council (KREC), was an independent adviser to the Metropolitan Police and has revealed his suspicions that there were rituals taking place in some London churches.

Following secret discussions with local communities, church members and healers, he believed it was evident that there was something "fearful" happening.

He said it was likely children were being abused because it was believed they were possessed by evil spirits, but suggestions they had been sacrificed were unfounded.

He said, to his knowledge, there were no such churches in Kingston but there is one in nearby Tooting.

The issue was brought to the attention of the media after a police report suggesting children from Africa were being used in sacrificial rituals was leaked earlier this month.

The confidential police report, leaked to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, indicated children labelled as witches were being beaten and abused.

National newspapers claimed the report aimed to "open a dialogue with African and Asian communities".

Mr Azah said: "In my opinion there is no evidence to prove that human sacrifices are taking place but I suspect there are rituals in some churches where children are hurt and manhandled because it is believed they are possessed by the devil.

"We need to put this into context though there have only been three cases to date where it has been proved that this has happened."

The police sought the advice of African community leaders to investigate these so-called faith crimes.

They commissioned the report following the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie who was starved and beaten to death in 2000.

Mr Azah has been director of KREC for 16 years and is on the board for the Metropolitan Police Independent Advisory Group.

He was invited to join following the Stephen Lawrence inquiry because of his contributions to racial equality.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "May I reassure the various African communities of London that the Metropolitan Police Service believes this type of crime to be extremely rare."

hsummers@london.newsquest.co.uk