At least 47 people have been killed, 22 injured and more than 52 kidnapped in an attack by armed gangs in Kenscoff, near Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.

The attack took place overnight on 23-24 August after about 150 heavily armed gang members entered the area. Residents fleeing the violence sought refuge in a Protestant church, where dozens were reportedly killed.

The United Nations said 34 people were executed around the church, while five children were among those killed. Homes were also set on fire.

Archbishop of Port-au-Prince Max Leroy Mésidor, president of the Haitian Episcopal Conference, criticised the authorities’ response.

“Our hearts are torn by this situation. We ask God to sustain the families and welcome into His house the people who have been victims,” he said.

He added: “At the same time, we denounce the casual manner in which this situation, which has lasted for a long time, has been handled. There were signs that all of this could happen.”

“No, we cannot keep letting the people die like this,” he said.

The archbishop called for greater police action and questioned the effectiveness of anti-gang forces.

“What are the anti-gang forces that have entered the area doing? How long will it take them to help the people, find a solution to the problem and unblock the situation?”

The Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince also condemned the violence as a “serious violation of the right to life and human dignity”.

The violence comes as Haiti faces a worsening humanitarian and security crisis, with around 1.5 million people internally displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Priests, missionaries and other Church workers have also been targeted by gangs in recent years.