Police in Henan province raided a Christian gathering on Christmas Eve and detained a priest, the Hong Kong-based Information Centre for Human Rights and Democracy reported.

About 80 Christians were worshipping at a private house when police arrived. Officers seized 11 Bibles and detained Li Shansong for 'organising an illegal gathering'. Mr Li was released after eight hours.

A police official yesterday blamed the Christians for not taking part in celebrations by the official church. He said organising a private Christmas party was illegal and the police had the right to disperse the worshippers.