An Anglican congregation in Cambridge is mourning the sudden loss of its vicar, Canon Anna Matthews, who died on Wednesday night.

Clergy and PCC members at St Bene’t’s communicated the news in a statement while inviting people to join in a special service of prayer on Thursday, led by the Archdeacon of Cambridge, Alex Hughes.

“This will be a difficult time for us as a congregation as we navigate the tremendous chasm in the life and worship of St Bene’t’s that Anna’s sudden loss brings and the feelings of deep grief we all share,” the statement said.

Canon Matthews had been the vicar of St Bene’t’s since 2012 and had served a curacy in the diocese of St Albans, before going to work for six years at St Albans Cathedral.

The Bishop of Ely, Rt Rev Stephen Conway, also shared the tragic news and urged people to pray for Rev Matthews’ family.

“Please pray for Stephen, her husband, for her close family and friends, for each of the communities which she has served, and particularly for the clergy and the people of St Bene’t’s. We bear one another in this great loss.”

Many have taken to social media to share their shock and sadness.

“My heart is absolutely broken. Such a special and lovely person and friend. Thank God for her. We will miss her so much. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. God be with you all,” one user wrote.

Another one said: “Anna was a wonderful curate at St Lawrence church in Abbots Langley. She was always so joyful and full of life, with love for her ministry within the church. Absolutely devastated to hear this very sad news. My thoughts are with all her friends and family May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”

A book of condolences has been laid out in St Bene't's for people who wish to leave a contribution.