Charged with murdering vicar

Police charged a 23-year-old man yesterday with the murder of a vicar in the grounds of his church in south Wales.

Fr Paul Bennett, 59, died after suffering multiple stab wounds in an attack on Wednesday afternoon at St Fagan's Church, in the village of Trecynon, near Aberdare, in the Welsh valleys.

Detectives said the suspect, arrested on Wednesday, would appear before Aberdare Magistrates Court today.

Earlier police said they had found a knife believed to have been used in the killing while the BBC reported the priest's wife was with him when he was attacked.

A memorial service was held for the murdered priest at the nearby St Luke's church yesterday morning.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said the news of his murder was 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," he said in a statement.

"Father Paul's family will be especially in our prayers here at Lambeth as they come to terms with this terrible tragedy."