a Pembroke couple's children because it is believed they are involved in a satanic cult or religion.

Mrs. Glenda Edwards said the department received information that was from "a number of sources''.

"We felt there was some risk to the children based on that information,'' she said. "We don't like to take children away from their families but if there is concern for their wellbeing, we will.'' Mr. Milton Hill, who used to teach classes on psychic phenomena, on Monday denied he and his wife Regina are involved in any kind of devil worship. He said he has taken his case to the Human Rights Commission.

Mr. and Mrs. Hill are undergoing psychological evaluations and the reports of the tests will be presented in Juvenile Court at the end of the month, Mrs Edwards said.

At that time it will be determined if they can regain custody of their two children, she said.

A copy of a warrant which Mr. Hill said social workers presented to him when they came for his children, read: "It is believed their (Mr. and Mrs. Milton Hill's) involvement in a satanic cult/religion is influencing their ability to provide adequate care and protection for their children, aged 4 and 3.'' Mr. Hill was in Magistrates' Court last Friday for biting one of the Police officers who was helping social workers take his children away. He was fined $300 after admitting he assaulted and caused bodily harm to the officer.

The young father said it had been a "traumatic experience'' having six Police officers and two social workers show up at his house on Crossland Lane and demand he hand over his two children.

"I was in total shock and began fighting with the officers to get my kids,'' he said.

He added he was told the children were being kept at an "undisclosed location'' and that he could contact Social Services to make arrangements to visit them while further investigations are being carried out.

Mr. Hill, who is unemployed, said he had no idea why Social Services believed he and his wife were involved in satanism. He said his religion was Buddhism.

Two years ago he was featured in The Royal Gazette's Living section where he was interviewed about his newly opened school of psychic phenomena. He taught subjects such as astral travel, telepathy and channelling. And claimed he could, in a trance state, communicate with angels or one of the "ascended masters''.