Officials then drag a person to the door and the men who were guarding the door were “beaten and pinned down”, according to a statement from ChinaAid.

"The state security police came banging at the door, then they kicked it down and dragged those in the way outside the doorway," Radio Free Asia quoted Pastor Yang Xibo.

Officers also confiscated phones and used “brutal force” against some Christian women as well.

As the church’s meeting place is located at a private residence, police broke down barriers and dragged three people out.

Church members had received no warnings, which an eyewitness confirmed.

"They didn't say anything or show any documentation, but they just nailed a man and a woman to the ground, pinning them by the chest and legs using their knees. "

No warrants were reportedly shown, and the church has since been banned.

Gina Goh, International Christian Concern’s regional manager for Southeast Asia has said that China is resuming its crackdown on Christianity since the threat posed by COVID-19 has been reduced.

"In recent weeks, we have seen an increased number of church demolitions and cross removals on state-sanctioned churches across China, as house church gatherings continue to face interruption and harassment.

“It is deplorable that the local authorities not only conducted this raid without proper procedure, but deployed excessive use of force against church members and bystanders," she said.

"ICC calls on the international community and the US government to condemn China's constant human rights abuses."

Photo credits: ChinaAid