A vicar has told how he asked a man “acting strangely” and abusing people to leave his church.

Police are now investigating the incident at St Mildred’s Church in Tenterden.

It involved a man inside the church who was behaving strangely before becoming abusive and threatening towards people.

He was then asked to leave before the police were called.

The vicar of St Mildred’s, The Rev Canon Lindsay Hammond, who was in the church at the time of the incident, said: “On November 8, a man was found inside St Mildred’s Church behaving strangely.

“When challenged on his behaviour, the man became threatening and abusive towards a member of the congregation.

“I asked him to leave and informed the police.

“The safety and wellbeing of all who come through our doors is our highest priority and we hope that the police will take this matter seriously.”

A Kent Police spokesman said: “We are investigating a report that a man was abusive to two people inside a church in Church Road, Tenterden.

“The incident happened at around 1.40pm on Wednesday, November 8.

“No injuries were reported and, at present, no arrests have been made, however inquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information can call police on 01843 222289 quoting crime reference number ZY/55389/17.