Church organist murder: man quizzed

Police investigating the murder of a church organist who died after he was attacked on Christmas Eve have arrested a man.

Lay preacher Alan Greaves was making his way to midnight mass at St Saviour’s Church, near his home in High Green, Sheffield, when he was subjected to the attack.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of Mr Greaves’s murder, said South Yorkshire Police.

Police said the arrest came after an excellent public response to an appeal made by detectives on Monday. At a press conference, Detective Superintendent Matt Fenwick said police had not established a motive for Mr Greaves’s murder.

Police also released CCTV footage of two men filmed just before the 68-year-old grandfather was attacked as he went to the church a few hundred yards away from his home on December 24.

Mr Greaves died from severe head injuries three days later. More than 50 police officers have been working on the case.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Following yesterday’s media appeal by Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Matt Fenwick, and an excellent public response, a 21-year-old man from the High Green area of Sheffield has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Alan Greaves.

“Inquiries are continuing and the investigation team wish to reiterate their appeal to the community of Sheffield to continue to come forward with information. Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 01709 443723.”

Two men were arrested last month in connection with Mr Greaves’s murder and bailed pending further inquiries. Last week, independent charity Crimestoppers put up a £10,000 reward to help find those responsible for Mr Greaves’s death. The reward will be available to anyone providing information to Crimestoppers leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons responsible for Mr Greaves’s death.

At a service after her husband’s death, Mr Greaves’s widow Maureen said she had wept over the “evil that has been done”. She told the congregation of St Saviour’s she had felt their love and support since her husband died.