Andrew Duffin, 18, says that he "died" for 16 minutes in a hospital operating theatre, but revived after his father, a Christian, made an international appeal for prayer.

The case is seen as part of an international Pentecostalist healing movement, which began in Florida.

Dozens of people are attending nightly services in the Elim church in Tigers Bay, north Belfast.

Its pastor, Brian Madden, said: "Some of the stuff I saw is really hard to believe, in fact it is crazy, but it is happening.

"But we don't take credit for any of this. This is down to God and not down to me."

Last night observers sounded a note of caution. The Rev Stephen Williamson from Ballywillan Presbyterian Church – who once worked in divine healing – said he did not want to comment specifically on Andrew's injuries because he had no personal knowledge of the case.

He said: "Miracles can happen. No miracles on that scale have happened in my experience. But I have contacts all around the world who report incredible things happening."

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