Man held over vicar's murder
- 00:01:30
- ITN
Man held over vicar's murder
Officers are continuing to question a 23-year-old man after a vicar was found stabbed to death outside his church.Father Paul Bennett, 59, was found by his wife in the grounds of his church in the village of Trecynon, near Aberdare, in South Wales.A police spokesman said officers found Father Bennett's body after they were called to St Fagans Church at about 2.50pm on Wednesday.Father Bennett's wife, Georgina, and two children were receiving support from family liaison officers, the spokesman said.A Home Office pathologist and the Forensic Science Service are expected at the scene later."This is a horrific incident that will undoubtedly shock and alarm the people of Aberdare," Chief Superintendent Jeff Farrar, divisional commander for the area, said."I would like to reassure the community that we have arrested a man and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident at this stage."There is no further danger to the public, however there will be a high-profile police presence in the area over the next few days both to provide reassurance and support to the community of Aberdare and to assist the inquiry team by speaking to members of the public who may have information."Our thoughts are with the family of Father Bennett at this time and I urge anyone with information to come forward."About 50 people gathered at the St Fagans Church hall last night to pray and light candles in remembrance of Father Bennett.The Archbishop of Wales, the Rt Rev Dr Barry Morgan, described his "total shock" as he arrived to pray with parishioners.He said: "I know how highly thought of he was and a man of God and that he personally really cared for other people. This is an awful, awful thing to have happened."Detectives have set up an incident room at Mountain Ash police station. Anyone with information is asked to call 01443 743678 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
ITN | March 15, 2007
