Church Vicar Murdered; Local Man Arrested

A community has been left shocked following reports emerging of the murder of a vicar outside his church in South Wales. Police have already arrested a man in connection with the murder which took place outside St Fagan's Church in Trecyon, near Aberdare, South Wales.

The murdered vicar has been named as 59-year-old Father Paul Bennett. A police spokesman said officers were called to the church just before 3pm on Wednesday, where they found Father Bennett dead outside his church.

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

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

Father 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."

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.

"Our thoughts are with the family of Father Bennett at this time and I urge anyone with information to come forward."

Local Archdeacon the Venerable Christopher Smith said Father Bennett was a "very much loved parish priest and devoted father". He told ITV Wales: "Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Paul's family."