THE Bridport family of murdered vicar John Suddards, 59, have told how they have been left devastated by his death.

His sister Hilary Bosworth, from Bridport, who is known for her work as a visiting teacher for the charity Action Aid, is still struggling to come to terms with her loss.

But she said that she had gained great comfort from the support of family and friends.

She said: “It is all very raw at the moment.

“Obviously we are devastated but we have been very comforted by the support of John’s friends and our friends and family. He was my dear and only brother.”

The Rev Suddards, 59, was stabbed to death at his vicarage in Thornbury in South Gloucestershire on Tuesday, February 14.

The shock of her beloved brother’s death has been so great Mrs Bosworth has not yet been able to express just how much he meant to her.

She added: “We are still coming to terms with his death.

“There will be time for tributes, they are already happening from John’s friends.”

Mrs Bosworth, who is being supported by her husband Bridport vet Philip and their three children, is in constant contact with police about the investigation.

She was advised not to draw any attention to herself until police had someone in custody for The Rev Suddards’ murder.

Officers are continuing to question Stephen Farrow, 47, after his arrest in Kent on Sunday, about the stabbings of Mr Suddards and 77-year-old Betty Yates, killed at her home in Worcestershire on January 4.

They now have until today to charge Farrow or let him go.

Mr Suddards was a former barrister who joined the clergy 22 years ago.

Rector's sleepless night

THE man police have arrested in connection with the murder of The Rev John Suddards and pensioner Betty Yates is well known in Bridport.

Bridport team rector The Rev Andrew Evans was told by police on Saturday to call 999 if he saw Stephen Farrow again.

The Rev Andrews said the suspect had been to the vicarage a dozen times or more, the last time in the New Year.

The Rev Andrews, of St Mary’s Church in South Street, admitted to a sleepless night on Saturday until he heard the police had taken a suspect into custody. He said that Mr Farrow was a visitor to St Mary’s and other churches when he called into town but was also known amongst the homeless community.

Mr Farrow is known to have travelled extensively around the country.

The Rev Evans said: “He is well known in the town and had dealings with the various churches here.

“He was quite well known to me so I have been fairly shocked by it.

“It is all alleged at the moment but it does bring it home that clergy per se can be in a very, very vulnerable position.”

The Rev Andrews is among the clergy in Bridport known for offering succour to the homeless.