Hundreds attend service for murdered Thornbury vicar and police arrest suspect


About 300 people attended the church service in memory of the murdered vicar. For the full story and other related stories

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thornbury vicarHundreds of people have taken part in a church service to mark the death of a vicar found murdered in his parish near Bristol.

 


The Reverend John Suddards was found stabbed to death in his vicarage at St Mary's Church, Thornbury, on Tuesday.


The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Reverend Michael Perham, described the vicar as a "good man and a fine priest".


About 300 people attended Friday's service at Thornbury Baptist Church.
Church officials said they hoped the service would bring some comfort to the local community.


The bishop added: "Three days isn't very long and I think perhaps the community has moved on from its first sense of being utterly numb, Reverend John Suddardsstunned and silent into wanting to come together to encourage one another, to share with one another, to grieve together and to try and unite and express the unity of this community here in Thornbury."


'Shocked community' 


He also paid tribute to the vicar who he said was a popular figure in the local community.


"The time will come to leave our tears behind and celebrate his life and ministry," the bishop said.

"It is too soon for that. Tonight we are a shocked community upholding one another and seeking some peace in our hearts."



 

Police arrest man on suspicion of the murder of the Reverend John Suddards



Thank you all for your support this is the latest up date released at 07.47am 19/02/12.

At 4.20am on Sunday 19th Feb, at an address in Folkestone Kent Police arrested wanted man, Stephen Farrow, after information on his whereabouts from a member of the public.

Avon and Somerset DCI Simon Crisp said: "Early this morning, on our behalf, Kent Police arrested Stephen Farrow on suspicion of the murder of the Reverend John Suddards in Thornbury last week. His arrest follows a nationwide appeal for information which we released yesterday.

"I would like to thank the public and all those who have helped us to find him. It was as a direct result of assistance from a member of the public that we were able to locate this man and we would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude."

 


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