Police had to be called to a disturbance between feuding worshippers at a crisis-torn church.

A woman claimed she was hit by supporters of Father Youhanna Habib, a priest at the St Mary and St Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church, in Hove.

Father Youhanna's opponents now intend writing to Pope Shenouda III, the head of the church in Egypt, to ask for the priest's sacking.

The church community has been bitterly split since the retirement of long-serving lead priest Father Zakaria Botros Henein in January.

His supporters claim he was forced out and he told The Argus, this week, he was the victim of racism by Sudanese worshippers because of his Egyptian background.

However, church elders have accused Father Zakaria and Father Youhanna of behaving autocratically and bringing the church into disrepute.

Father Zakaria has been accused of whipping up racial hatred by preaching on the Internet that Islam is a terrorist religion.

The latest flare-up came at a youth meeting, after a sermon by Father Zakaria's replacement Father Manasa, who was recently sent from Sudan.

He was heckled by some members of the 100-strong congregation who wanted Father Zakaria's reinstatement.

As tempers flared, a woman standing up for Father Manasa claimed she had been hit and dialled 999.

Police officers arrived at the church in Davigdor Road and managed to calm tempers.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said no charges were being pressed.

Former church secretary Roy Isaac, adviser to the newly-formed church council, said the atmosphere at the church had never been worse.

He said: "This is meant to be a Christian church, but it is not a holy place anymore. Things like this should not be happening."

Father Youhanna, of Glendale Road, Hove, told The Argus: "I don't want to disturb the picture of the church.

"We are a peaceful people. Whatever happens, it will all be sorted out by our church."