A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of the Rev John Suddards who was found with multiple stab wounds at a vicarage in Thornbury.

Mr Suddards was found in the hallway of the St Mary's Parish Church vicarage yesterday after builders who arrived to carry out some work failed to get an answer when they knocked on the door.

He had moved to Thornbury from Witham in Essex after serving the church there for 22 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Crisp said: "We are determined to bring whoever is responsible for the Reverend's death to justice and have a team of officers working on this investigation around the clock.

"I would like to thank the people of Thornbury for their cooperation and support so far but would ask anyone who has not been in touch to contact us with their information. It could be vital to our investigation."

Officers are appealing for the public's help to progress the enquiry. Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact the Operation Derry incident room on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.