Satanism booming in Russia

Satanic worship is reported to be rising in Russia.

Pravda says there are 15 satanic sects in Moscow alone, the largest being the Black Angel, formed in 1974.

The groups have a strict five-tier hierarchy, with women possessing many of the senior roles.

The NTV television channel claims there may be several thousand satanic followers in Russia.

It says sect leaders are recruiting in colleges and there are known worship sites, including a temple 'of sorts' in north Moscow, a cafe, a building site and even a square near the KGB buildings.

Pravda cites "a series of ritual murders" as a reason why the government must "come to grips with the problem" .