A councillor says he wants the government to criminalise gay conversion therapy following an ITV News investigation which alleged a pastor from a Dartford chapel was engaging in the practice.

The investigation recorded Pastor Gbenga Samuel of the Winners Chapel in Green Street Green Road tell an undercover reporter that he is "under the control of Satan" and is something which "God can fix."

Councillor Jonathon Hawkes said he found the footage "truly shocking" and couldn't believe this could be happening in his own community.

"I was truly shocked. It’s abhorrent. It's shocking to think that this is happening and is a big concern for those living in the town," he said.

The footage also showed the pastor compare society's accepting nature of gay people to Nazi propaganda.

Cllr Hawkes strongly believes the views conveyed by the pastor in the investigation are not representative of those living in the area, including the other religious organisations which operate in Dartford.

"I will be asking the council to investigate what measures are available as a council so we can take action for future practises.

"It's important that the council consider what action, if any, we could take to prevent this happening on our doorstep, in our borough.

"It's nothing more than abusive, coercive bullying."

The Dartford branch of the Winners Chapel International is part of the wider Living Faith Church Worldwide which has its international headquarters in Nigeria.

A statement released by the chapel to ITV reporters said it would be "conducting its own internal investigation" and has denied allegations it engages in gay conversion therapy.

Nobody from the Winners Chapel was available when approached for comment.