A street preacher has been banned from using a microphone while sharing his faith in Guildford after police said his preaching was “causing annoyance, upset and distress” to the public.

Surrey Police issued a Community Protection Notice to Christian evangelist Ollie Sabatelli who has gained a large following online for preaching in town centres.

The order prohibits him from using amplification equipment and warns that he could face arrest if he breaches its terms.

Sabatelli, who has more than 200,000 followers on TikTok, posted footage of the incident on social media.

In the video, an officer tells him he had been previously warned about his behaviour.

Sabatelli responds by turning to the crowd and saying: “The world is going to see the persecution that is happening to Christians in the UK.”

Police later clarified that the order “is not related to the content being said, but the volume and the nature of its amplification.”

Since receiving the notice, Sabatelli has continued to preach in Guildford without using a speaker or microphone.

His videos from the town have drawn mixed reactions online, some praising his boldness, others criticising his approach.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers have spoken to the man and issued him with a Community Protection Notice which prohibits him from causing annoyance, upset and distress to the local community and businesses of Surrey and Sussex.”

Sabatelli describes himself on social media as a “servant of Christ” seeking to “prepare the way” for Jesus’ return.