More Time to Question Murder Suspect

Police have until tomorrow morning to question a man arrested on suspicion of murdering Rev John Suddards and Betty Yates.

Stephen Farrow, 47, was arrested on Sunday over the stabbing of Reverend John Suddards, 59 who was found dead in Thornbury last Tuesday.

Mr Farrow is also being questioned over the murder of Betty Yates, 77 who was found dead in her cottage near Bewdley last month.

Detectives say they are "examining similarities" between the two murders.

Police have released a 43 year old man they previously arrested in connection with the murder of Rev Suddards.

A requiem service for Rev Suddards was held on Monday evening at St Nicolas Church in Witham.

Speaking at the service, the Bishop of Colchester the Right Reverend Christopher Morgan said of Rev Suddards: "He had a good twinkle in his eye and a ready sense of humour."

"He was a person of learning, but he carried that very lightly and he was a great colleague."

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Crisp from Avon and Somerset Police said: "I would like to thank members of the public for all their help in this investigation so far."

"We are determined to bring whoever is responsible for the murder of the Reverend to justice and are working very closely with our colleagues in other areas of the country."

"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."

"We continue to encourage anyone who has not yet come forward to do so if they feel there is anything at all they think would help the investigation."