A special service is to be held on Friday in memory of a village priest who was found stabbed to death at his home on Tuesday.

The Rev John Suddards had only been in the role of vicar of St Mary’s Church in Thornbury, Gloucestershire, since last summer. He was discovered by builders inside the vicarage with multiple stab wounds.

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Rev Michael Perham, and the Bishop of Tewkesbury, the Rt Rev John Went, said in a joint statement that they were “shocked and saddened” by news of the death.

Although Mr Suddards had only been the church's vicar for a short time, the bishops said he was already making a “significant” contribution to the life of the Diocese of Gloucester.

They said everything was being done to assist the police in their investigations and that the Church was ready to support Mr Suddard’s friends and family in the coming months.

“We are praying for John and his family and friends, as well as for the communities he served as their parish priest,” they said.

Bishop Went added: “As a diocese it is our concern to be close to both the church community and the wider community of Thornbury as they seek to come to terms with this tragedy.”

The Archdeacon of Gloucester, the Venerable Geoffrey Sidaway paid tribute to Mr Suddards as a man who “cared deeply for people”.

He said the 59-year-old’s death highlighted the “vulnerable nature” of parish ministries, many of which have vicars who open their homes to strangers in need.

It is expected to be many months before a funeral can be held for Mr Suddards owing to the ongoing police investigation.

Bishop Perham will lead the service at 7pm on Friday. A venue has yet to be confirmed.