Mission possible! Tom Cruise spotted flying out of Scientology HQ in a helicopter as ex-members protest against the religion

Tom Cruise has been spotted flying out of a Scientology headquarters via helicopter as demonstrators protested outside today. 

The Mission Impossible star took to the sky in a black helicopter as he flew out of the Church of Scientology Continental Liaison Office & Commodore’s Messenger Organisation in East Grinstead, Sussex. 

Protesters were holding placards which said: ‘When was the last time you saw your family? They love you and so do we.’

Another sign read: ‘Who is really at cause over your life?’ 

The group were holding banners and chanting slogans during their march to Saint Hill Manor, the UK headquarters of the Church of Scientology.

The are calling for an end to ‘harsh and abusive practices’ of the religion.

It is thought that Cruise has been a Scientologist since the 1990s through his first wife, Mimi Rogers.

Protesters were holding placards which said: ‘When was the last time you saw your family? They love you and so do we’

It is thought that Cruise has been a Scientologist since the 1990s through his first wife, Mimi Rogers

The Mission Impossible star took to the sky in a black helicopter as he flew out of the Church of Scientology Continental Liaison Office & Commodore’s Messenger Organisation in East Grinstead, Sussex

Pictured: Police outside the Scientology HQ today in Sussex 

Tom Cruise was pictured flying out of the HQ today in a black helicopter 

The actor was snapped flying away in a black helicopter from the HQ in East Grinstead 

Tom introduced his ex-wife Nicole Kidman to the Church of Scientology but she did not become a member and remained a Catholic

Cruise and the Church of Scientology have denied that the religion was associated with the breakdown of his marriage with Nicole. Pictured: Cruise leaving the HQ today

The group were holding banners and chanting slogans during their march to Saint Hill Manor, the UK headquarters of the Church of Scientology

Protesters are calling for an end to ‘harsh and abusive practices’ of the religion

Scientology is defined as a set of beliefs invented by the American author L. Ron Hubbard.

It has three core beliefs: Man is an immortal spiritual being, his experience extends well beyond a single lifetime, his capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realised.

In 2004, Scientology leader, David Miscavige, created the Scientology Freedom Medal of Valor and gave it to Cruise. 

He said: ‘It’s a privilege to call yourself a Scientologist, and it’s something that you have to earn.’

Cruise introduced his ex-wife Nicole Kidman to the Church of Scientology but she did not become a member and remained a Catholic. 

The pair divorced in 2001 on mysterious circumstances, reportedly due to her refusal to join him in his Scientology beliefs. 

Both Cruise and the Church of Scientology have denied that the religion was associated with the breakdown of his marriage with Nicole.

However in an exclusive statement sent to the Mail on Sunday at the time, she said that her husband of ten years did not give her any warning. 

Their children, Isabella and Connor are both Scientologists themselves and live with their father in Los Angeles.

MailOnline have contacted Sussex Police for comment and more information.