Murder suspect hunted

Published on Sunday 19 February 2012 00:45

A nationwide manhunt was last night under way for a man described by police as “dangerous” who is wanted over the murder of a clergyman at his vicarage.

Detectives warned the public that under no circumstances should Stephen Farrow, 47, be approached.

Avon and Somerset Police said they want to talk to Farrow in connection with the stabbing of the Reverend John Suddards, 59, in his vicarage in the south Gloucestershire town of Thornbury on Tuesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Crisp, who is leading the investigation, said the “distinctive” 6ft 4in tall Farrow uses a variety of names.

He is known to travel “regularly” across the country, mainly by bus, and could be living rough in a tent.

Revealing that a 43-year-old man arrested on Tuesday had been freed on bail, DCI Crisp warned that Farrow “may seek to exploit the charity of the church community” and told the public not to approach him.

“We have circulated him as wanted for the murder of Rev Suddards,” he said.

“We need the public’s help with this, we do not know where he is.

“However, he is a dangerous man and under no circumstances should he be approached.”

The victim was found stabbed to death after the alarm was raised by workmen who arrived at the vicarage next to St Mary’s Church and found it was locked.

The news of his death sent shockwaves through the clergy and the close-knit community, which lies about 11 miles north of Bristol.

DCI Crisp said Farrows’ favoured mode of transport is the bus, “although we cannot exclude other types of public transport, or hitch-hiking or walking. We know that he would seek shelter in a tent that he has with him or he may purchase. Crucially, he may seek to exploit the charity of the church community.”