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A policeman called to arrest a drunk abusing people in the street stunned work pals and onlookers when he carried out an exorcism instead.

Lieutenant Ricardo Mendes, 36, had gone to the scene with colleagues in Goianira, Brazil and found Rodrigo Betti, 28, hurling abuse at passers-by.

But after approaching him, Mendes suddenly grabbed the man’s head as his colleague held him from behind and began muttering in Latin.

Onlooker Paulo Cortez, 25, who captured the extraordinary incident on his camera phone, told local media: "The drunk began speaking in a weird way, his voice was very low, and he looked very strange.

(Image: CEN)

"The policeman then shouted ‘Unleash his body, Jesus. Out in the name of Jesus’.

"I suddenly realised he was doing an exorcism on the man. It was incredible."

As the man sank to his knees growling, Mendes continued holding his head and calling for the devil to get out.

Cortez said: "At one point the man fell to the ground writhing and shouting. It really looked as if he was possessed. But the policeman was doing a great job.

"Someone behind me then said he was going to get a priest."

(Image: CEN)

A police spokesman who verified the authenticity of the video said: "When the priest arrived the situation was under control and the man had been fully exorcised.

"The officer acted properly in the situation and did not abuse his authority. He believes in God and regularly goes to church."

Betti was arrested and released the following day.

He reportedly thanked the police officer saying: "I can't remember a thing about last night, I must have been possessed by something."