On Sunday morning, the rural village of Birkbridge was shaken by the tragic discovery of Reverend Paul Pickard's body at Hope Mill Church. The vicar, a respected and well-loved figure in the community, was found hanging from the church bell ropes. The shocking discovery occurred shortly after the church hosted the county's annual Village Bell Ringing Competition, an event that Reverend Pickard enthusiastically supported.

Reverend Pickard, who had served the parish for several years, was regarded as a kind and generous man. One of his parishioners described him as "very likable and too generous for his own good," reflecting the deep affection and respect the wider community had for him. His sudden death has left the village of Birkbridge and its surrounding areas in mourning.

While the police continue their investigations, the circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear to the public. As always, I shall endeavor to keep my readers updated with the investigators' progress and the expected successful conclusion. However, having seen who the lead detective is, we shouldn't hang our hopes on it!

Sandra Feldman, Crime Reporter & Co-host of the Murderous Mysteries podcast.