Spain horror as priest killed and 7 wounded by attacker screaming 'I am Jesus Christ'

By Matthew Dooley, World News Editor, Ciaran McGrath, Senior News Reporter, Natalia Penza

The attack took place at Santo Espiritu de Montel in Gilet, Valencia. (Image: Google)

Police had launched a manhunt after a man jumped the fence at a Spanish monestary and murdered a priest in Valencia, injuring seven others after shouting: "I am Jesus Christ.”

A 76-year-old friar died in hospital this afternoon in the eastern Spanish city of Valencia which is still reeling from the recent devastating floods which killed more than 200 people.

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

The drama happened at the Santo Espiritu del Monte Monastery in Gilet a 35-minute drive north of Valencia.

Three monks aged 57, 66 and 95 are in hospital because of their injuries although more are said to have been assaulted.

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

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.

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

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

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