Police link murders of Betty Yates and Rev John Suddards

A homeless drifter was today being questioned over the killing of Bewdley teacher Betty Yates and the death of a clergyman in Gloucestershire.

Stephen Farrow, aged 47, was arrested in Folkstone, Kent, on suspicion of murdering the Rev John Suddards following a nationwide appeal. Police later arrested him over the death of mother-of-two Mrs Yates.

The 77-year-old was killed at her secluded cottage on the banks of the River Severn on January 2.

They said Farrow was known to visit the Midlands and travelled mainly by bus but was also known to walk and hitchhike.

In their appeal, detectives said Farrow, who has a scar on his right brow, "may seek to exploit the charity of the church community" and parishioners were warned to be on their guard

The arrest, which was made by Kent Police at around 4.20am yesterday morning, followed a tip off from the public. He remains in the custody of Avon and Somerset Police today.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson said: "We would like to thank Avon and Somerset Police for their help in our investigation. We have been working with them to examine similarities between the deaths of Betty Yates and the Reverend John Suddards."

Mrs Yates, a former teacher in Kidderminster and Streetly was found dead at the bottom of stairs at her home on January 4.

Officers investigating Mrs Yates's killing arrested a man on February 2 before he was freed on bail.

Mr Suddards was found stabbed to death at his home in Castle Street in Thornbury by workmen who arrived at the vicarage next to St Mary's Church to do some work.