TWO men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a church organist who was attacked on his way to midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
Alan Greaves, 68, was badly beaten just yards from his church, St Saviour's, in High Green in Sheffield.
The grandfather of four was discovered by a member of the public and taken to hospital but died from his injuries on Thursday night.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "A man in his 20s and a man in his 40s, both from Sheffield, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in custody helping police. Officers are searching a number of properties in the area."
Police have said the motive for the attack is unclear.
His widow, church community worker Maureen, 63, said: "We are devastated. It is just not what you expect, somebody to walk down the street and get murdered – and at this time of year as well, it's just dreadful."
Canon Simon Bessant, from St Saviour's, described Mr Greaves as a "good man" who fell victim to an evil act. He said: "He was a gentle soul. He wasn't foolish – he would have handled the situation as best as anyone would, but we don't know what he encountered."
The Bishop of Sheffield, Dr Steven Croft, has sent a message to every parish in his diocese asking for prayers for Alan Greaves, his widow and their family.
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