They insist that no-one with their beliefs would be guilty of such behaviour, and that deacon Bob Fishwick was out of line to make the claim. Some even go as far as to say that the bizarre attacks could be the work of a disgruntled Christian.

The 'Strathy' reported last week that members of the Baptist Church on High Street have arrived on several occasions over the past year to find notes written in red ink pinned to the main door.

But events took an even more sinister turn with the discovery of two notes tied to the limbs of a dead rabbit fastened to the front door of the church.

Like previous notes, it contained verses written in red felt tip and a drawing of an "all-seeing eye" symbol, commonly seen in mystical and Masonic use – showing an eye above a pyramid.

"There have been a series of pagan-style notes over the past year," said Mr Fishwick, who has been deacon of the church for 20 years.

He added: "The last one was a warning that we should not bring in the authorities. It had a drawing of the all-seeing eye and said: 'We are always watching you'.

Mr Fishwick went on: "The notes are heathen quotations: things like 'Your days are numbered', 'Wrongs remain unrectified' and 'Judgement has been passed'."

Mr Fishwick's comments produced a torrent of criticism from Pagans across the world who read the story on the 'Strathy's' website.

'Brittany' stated: "I don't understand how these notes are "pagan-style". There's nothing about those phrases that are particular to any pagan I have heard of. And the all-seeing eye symbol? Anyone who has seen an American dollar could draw it. Sounds more like a coked-out schizophrenic playing psycho pranks on these poor people."

M. Burns said: "If something is unexplained, it is described as pagan by the ignorant. This is not a Pagan attack. Whoever is doing this has deep-rooted knowledge of Christian iconography and theology.

"I am a Pagan, and I know that in paganism, one of the main 'rules' is not to judge or punish others for their beliefs if they differ from your own."

He added: "Perhaps the church should look closer to home for their culprit, instead of a literal witch-hunt."

Jennifer Sinclair wrote: "Our bottom line is: "Do as you will, but harm none". Terrifying Christians at their church is not something we do, thank you very much!"

Another message came from Suzanne Sutherland, who said: "I am a Pagan, and I wouldn't waste my time upsetting a congregation of any bona fide church, synagogue, temple or mosque. What does this church think Pagans do, anyway? Sit at home during the day cackling over our witches' brews and riding our broomsticks at night?"

The 'Strathy' tried to contact the Pagan Federation for a comment, but was unable to reach anyone.

Deacon Mr Fishwick declined to comment.

The Northern Constabulary has appealed for anyone who can help shed any light on the crimes to come forward. Contact police in Grantown on (01479) 872922 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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