The family of an 86-year old church warden killed in her own home, prompting a murder investigation, have paid tribute to a “loved” grandmother.

Beryl Purdy, known as Bez, has previously been described as a “stalwart” of the local church in sleepy Broomfield, Somerset.

She served at St Mary’s and All Saints for two decades prior to her retirement two years ago.

In a tribute, released via Avon and Somerset police, her family said: “As a family, we are devastated to have lost a dearly loved wife, mother and granny.

“Bez was a caring person who would help anyone in need and was very much part of the village, being a church warden for 20 years.

“We will miss her very much and we are all struggling to understand why this happened to such a lovely person.”

The incident occurred on Monday, 27th of March, at 5.45pm.

A man in his 30s, believed to have been considered “missing” from a non-secure mental health facility at the time of the attack, has been arrested.

He has been sectioned and transferred to a secure mental health unit whilst enquiries continue.

In the days after the incident, Rev Dr Mary Styles, who looks after four local churches, including St Mary and All Saints, told the BBC: 'We are all quite sickened by what's happened.

'As a church, we are there for those who seek solace and we are trying to come together as a village as people work through their grief.'