A violent attack led to the death of a priest and injuries to seven monks, at the Santo Espiritu del Monte Monastery in Gilet, just north of Valencia, Spain.

The suspect, who remains at large, reportedly shouted "I am Jesus Christ" as he forced entry into the monastery by scaling a perimeter fence.

According to The Metro, the early morning assault saw the attacker moving from room to room, inflicting harm on the residents.

Three monks, aged 57, 66, and 95, were seriously injured and are currently receiving medical care in the hospital.

The condition of four additional monks who were also assaulted has not been disclosed.

The priest who lost his life is believed to have suffered severe head trauma.

The attack comes at a particularly difficult time for the region, which is still grappling with the aftermath of recent catastrophic flooding that claimed over 200 lives less than two weeks prior.

Local authorities are actively searching for the suspect in the mountainous terrain surrounding the monastery.

Salvador Costa, the mayor of Gilet, confirmed that the assailant entered the premises with violent intent, shouting religious claims before attacking.

In a statement from a provincial superior, the incident was described as shocking and deeply painful, noting: “We received the news this morning of a disturbed individual breaking into the Friary of Santo Espiritu del Monte.”

The alarm was reportedly raised at approximately 10 a.m., and it was revealed that only two monks, who were working outside in an orchard, avoided the violence.