The number of ritual child abuse cases linked to witchcraft being investigated in London is increasing. A total of 24 cases were passed to the Metropolitan Police in 2013, 19 in 2012 and nine in 2011. There have been 27 allegations in the past year, including two claims of rape. Allegations included a child being swung around and smacked on the head ‘to drive out the devil’ and youngsters being dunked in water. A number of child killings have been linked to these beliefs, including the murder of Kristy Bamu, 15, who was tortured and drowned by his sister and her boyfriend in 2010; and the death of Victoria Climbie in 2000. Since 2004, 148 cases have been referred to the Met