Police have prevented an evangelical pastor holding a church service in defiance of lockdown restrictions.

About 30 worshipers had gathered at the Angel church in north London on Sunday for a service including a baptism after pastor Regan King said Christians served “a greater law”.

Four Metropolitan police officers prevented people entering the building in Clerkenwell, and two police vans and a police car were parked outside. Officers allowed 15 people to remain inside the church, while another 15 took part in a socially distanced outdoor service nearby.