Police had launched a manhunt after a man jumped the fence at a Spanish monastery and murdered a priest in Valencia, injuring seven others after shouting: "I am Jesus Christ.”

A 76-year-old friar died in hospital this afternoon in the eastern Spanish city of Valencia, which is still reeling from the recent devastating floods which killed more than 200 people.

The intruder is said to have assaulted the monks one by one in their rooms early this morning after jumping over a perimeter fence.

The attack happened at the Santo Espiritu del Monte Monastery in Gilet, which is a 35-minute drive north of Valencia.

Three monks aged 57, 66 and 95 are in hospital because of their injuries, although more are said to have been assaulted.

Police are still hunting for their attacker in the mountains near the monastery.

Gilet’s mayor, Salvador Costa, told the local press the intruder had entered the building shouting: “I am Jesus Christ” before beginning to physically attack the monks “with the intention of killing them.”

A Provincial superior said in a statement confirming the death: “It was with deep surprise and pain that we received the news this morning that a disturbed person had entered the Friary of Santo Espiritu del Monte."

The alarm was raised around 10am. The man who died is said to have suffered head injuries.

Only two monks who were working outside in an orchard escaped being attacked.

A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Valencia said: “I can confirm a man has been killed following an attack on clergy at a monastery in Gilet this morning.”

Responding to queries about the number of people assaulted following conflicting reports it was four to seven, he added: "The information we have is that seven others were targeted.

“Officers are still hunting the attacker.”

A well-placed source said: “Detectives believe the man who did this was suffering mental health issues.”

As well as shouting: “I am Jesus Christ” as he went from room to room kicking and punching his victims, he is also said to have yelled out that he was acting “in the name of God.”

He fled after being stopped by one of the clergy who went to the aid of his stricken companions.