Vicar And Pensioner Murders: Man Charged

A 47-year-old man has been charged with the murders of a vicar in Gloucestershire and an elderly woman in Worcestershire.

Stephen Farrow will appear at North Avon Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He is accused of killing Reverend John Suddards in Thornbury, near Bristol, earlier this month and the murder of Betty Yates in Bewdley in January.

Mr Suddards, 59, was found stabbed to death at his vicarage last week.

Mrs Yates, who was 77, was found dead at her home near the River Severn. She had also been stabbed.

Detectives from Avon and Somerset Police have been working alongside colleagues from West Mercia Police in investigating the two deaths.

DCI Neil Jamieson, of West Mercia Police, said: "I would like to express my gratitude to those members of the public who have helped us and responded to our appeals.

"I would also still encourage people to come forward and talk to us if they have information which could assist our inquiry."

Farrow was arrested in Folkestone, Kent, on Sunday after a nationwide manhunt.

He also faces a charge of burglary relating to a property in Thornbury.