Jobseekers Audition For The Role Of Wookey Hole's Resident Witch (Photo : Getty Images)
The number of witchcraft and exorcism cases in the United Kingdom almost doubled in 2014, according to the Metropolitan Police in Britain. Last year, the number of such cases handled by "Project Violet," a specialist unit, was 46 cases.
For 2015, the number is so far 60 cases, indicating a continuation of the upward trend. In 2013, there were 21 cases and 10 in 2012.
But despite the significant increase, the absolute numbers are still relatively small, said Detective Sergeant Terry Sharpe, reports OCRegister.
Scotland Yard detectives cite among the more prominent cases is that of a nine-year-old boy who was called a "devil child" and kicked out of his home by the parents. Social services staff found the boy standing on his bare feet, reports Daily Mail.
In another case, a mother attempted to bite on the face and smother her son whom she believe was a witch possessed by evil spirits.
But Daily Mail, which acquired information from councils through a Freedom of Information request, found that cases of children accused of witchcraft or possession by evil spirits in 2014 was 31 cases.
Sharpe adds, "You'll get the actual physical abuse and injuries taking place, and in the worst case scenario we've had some homicides as well."
However, Debbie Ariyo, founder of Africans Unite Against Child Abuse, claims that reports of witchcraft coming from churches could have a financial motive. When a child is identified as possessed, the family is humiliated and would make the parents request for exorcism which costs money. "It's a money-making scam," Ariyo points out.
