Vicar stabbed to death

Police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of a vicar outside his church.Father Paul Bennett, 59, was found dead at St Fagan's Church of England in Trecynon, near Aberdare, south Wales.South Wales Police have arrested a 23-year-old local man on suspicion of murder. He is being questioned at a police station in the south Wales area.The area has been cordoned off and is being examined by crime scene investigators.A Home Office pathologist and the Forensic Science Service are travelling to the scene.A police spokesman said Father Bennett's wife and two children were receiving support from family liaison officers.Detective Superintendent Paul Kemp, who is leading the investigation, said: "I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of the vicarage between 2pm and 3pm to contact us."Also anyone with any information at all that can help the inquiry should call the incident room."Chief Superintendent Jeff Farrar, divisional commander for the area, said: "this is a horrific incident that will undoubtedly shock and alarm the people of Aberdare."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."© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

ITN | March 14, 2007

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