The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams has spoken of his shock at the news of the death of Fr Paul Bennett in Trecynon, near Aberdare in Wales on Wednesday, and has said that the family will be in his prayers.

"The news of Fr Paul's death has come as an appalling shock. I know something of his devoted and selfless ministry in testing conditions, and I can well understand the depth of grief felt by local people, both church members and others in the community. Fr Paul's family will be especially in our prayers here at Lambeth as they come to terms with this terrible tragedy," he said.

The community of Trecynon in South Wales was left shocked by the murder of the vicar outside his church, St Fagan's, in South Wales. Police have already arrested a man.

A police spokesman said officers were called to the church just before 3pm on Wednesday, where they found Fr Bennett dead outside his church.

A 23-year-old local man has been arrested by South Wales Police, and taken to a police station in the south Wales area for questioning.

Following the discovery the area was cordoned off and the church premises have become a crime scene being examined by investigators.

Fr Bennett leaves behind his wife and two children, who were immediately provided with support from family liaison officers.

Leading the investigation is Detective Superintendent Paul Kemp, who 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."