15/03/2007

Vicar knifed to death at church

Police are continuing to investigate the murder of a vicar who was stabbed to death in the grounds of his church.

Father Paul Bennett, 59, was murdered at St Fagan's Church in Trecynon, near Aberdare in south Wales, on Wednesday afternoon.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death and is currently being questioned by police. Police have been granted a further 12 hours to continue questioning him.

On Thursday, police also confirmed that they were forensically examining a flat that they believed was connected to the incident. The flat is understood to be located a short distance from the vicarage.

Forensic examination of the vicarage and the grounds of the church are continuing today and detectives have also begun house-to-house enquiries in the area.

A Home Office post mortem examination was due to take place today.

Initial examinations revealed that Father Bennett suffered multiple stab wounds.

Police have recovered a knife from the scene believed to be the murder weapon.

Flowers and candles have been left at the scene and people have attended a memorial service at St Luke's Church in Cwndare in remembrance of Father Bennett.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has also spoken of his shock at Father Bennett's death.

Police have appealed for anyone who was in the area between 2pm and 3pm on Wednesday afternoon to come forward.

Detective Superintendent Paul Kemp, who is leading the investigation, said: "If you were in the area at the time, you may have seen something that will help the enquiry, please contact us at the incident room."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact: 01443 743 678 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA/SP)

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