A mum has spoken of her horror after a ‘scary’ church booklet was posted through her door – and into the hands of her two-year-old.

Carly Devon was left appalled by the contents of the book which landed on her doorstep in Bitterne Park.

Distressing themes – including suicide - featured in the comic book-like strip delivered by members of London Shepherd Church, based in Sutton.

Daily Echo: Carly Devon Carly Devon (Image: Newsquest)

The 36-year-old mum-of-three quickly confiscated the booklet from her daughter Wynnie after she collected the post on March 19.

Carly said: “Wynnie always gets the post when it comes through the door.

“She was sat reading the booklet when I looked at the front of it.

“She said ‘Look, spooky’ to me and it was quite awful.

“Luckily, she did not understand what was written in it as she is only two.”

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Carly read the book which included a cartoon of a boy being spoken to by devils.

It then leads to a priest telling a young girl not to sin as it is ‘not the Lord’s way’.

The extremely graphic illustrations accompanying the story prompted Carly to throw the book away.

She is extremely concerned the booklet is designed like a comic to capture the attention of children.

Daily Echo: The front of the church booklet Carly Devon received through her door in Bitterne ParkThe front of the church booklet Carly Devon received through her door in Bitterne Park (Image: Carly Devon)

Carly said: “I am not religious, but a lot of my friends are and we have a lot of churches here, so I knew this booklet could not be from the area. Everyone here is lovely. 

“I have a seven-year-old and a 10-year-old and if they had read it, it would’ve been awful.

“This London church is preaching about God, but putting these awful booklets through people’s doors.”

Widespread concern about the booklets was shared on social media, with several Southampton residents receiving them.

This prompted a response from the council.

Councillor for Bitterne Park, Phil Webb, said: “I was shocked to see the offensive, graphic images distributed to people's homes in Bitterne Park recently.

“I wouldn't want to restrict freedom of speech but I do think it crosses the line when this is delivered to your home and can be seen by children.

“We have reported this to the police to be assessed for potential crimes."

London Shepherd Church was contacted for a comment.