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Police link Reverend John Suddards and Betty Yates deaths Stephen Farrow arrested over Betty Yates murder
(40 minutes later)
The murders of a pensioner in Worcestershire and a vicar in South Gloucestershire have been formally linked by police. A man arrested over the death of a vicar in South Gloucestershire is being questioned over the murder of a pensioner in Worcestershire.
Betty Yates, 77, was found stabbed at her cottage near Bewdley last month.Betty Yates, 77, was found stabbed at her cottage near Bewdley last month.
Reverend John Suddards, 59, was found at his vicarage at St Mary's Church, Thornbury, on Tuesday. The Reverend John Suddards, 59, was found at his vicarage at St Mary's Church, Thornbury, on Tuesday.
Stephen Farrow, 47, was arrested in Folkestone, Kent, earlier over the killing of Mr Suddards. He was later arrested over Mrs Yates's death.Stephen Farrow, 47, was arrested in Folkestone, Kent, earlier over the killing of Mr Suddards. He was later arrested over Mrs Yates's death.
Police launched a nationwide appeal for Mr Farrow on Saturday. Police had launched a nationwide appeal for Mr Farrow on Saturday.
Walking stickWalking stick
He was arrested in Folkestone by Kent Police at about 04:20 GMT by officers acting on a tip-off from the public. He was arrested in Folkestone by Kent Police at about 04:20 GMT on Sunday by officers acting on a tip-off from the public.
West Mercia Police earlier said it was investigating any possible links between the two murders. West Mercia Police said they had "formally linked" the two murders.
Det Chief Insp Neil Jamieson, of West Mercia Police, said: "We would like to thank Avon and Somerset Police for their help in our investigation. We have been working with them to examine similarities between the deaths of Betty Yates and the Reverend John Suddards." Det Chief Insp Neil Jamieson said: "We would like to thank Avon and Somerset Police for their help in our investigation.
"We have been working with them to examine similarities between the deaths of Betty Yates and the Reverend John Suddards."
Mrs Yates, a retired teacher, was found stabbed to death at the foot of the stairs at her home on the banks of the River Severn on 4 January.Mrs Yates, a retired teacher, was found stabbed to death at the foot of the stairs at her home on the banks of the River Severn on 4 January.
The 77-year-old had also been beaten with her walking stick.The 77-year-old had also been beaten with her walking stick.
Mr Suddards was found stabbed to death at his home in Castle Street.Mr Suddards was found stabbed to death at his home in Castle Street.
Builders found his body when they arrived for a planned job. They had been given a key by a caretaker.Builders found his body when they arrived for a planned job. They had been given a key by a caretaker.
A post-mortem examination revealed he had died from "multiple stab wounds".A post-mortem examination revealed he had died from "multiple stab wounds".
The Venerable Geoffrey Sidaway, Archdeacon of Gloucester, urged the clergy to keep their doors open to "people who are distressed and angry" in the wake of Mr Suddards's murder.
Speaking after taking the Sunday morning service at St Mary's Church, he said: "By the nature of the position, clergy are often dealing with people who are distressed and angry, and that can put us in very vulnerable situations.
"The door must stay open - that is the whole point of the job. We need to be a church with an open door which is there to welcome and to help everyone."