This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-20856905
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Alan Greaves murder probe after Christmas Eve attack in Sheffield | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A church organist and lay preacher has died after being attacked on his way to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. | A church organist and lay preacher has died after being attacked on his way to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. |
| South Yorkshire Police said the death was being treated as murder. | South Yorkshire Police said the death was being treated as murder. |
| Alan Greaves, 68, from High Green in Sheffield was found on a pavement near his home on Greengate Lane with a head injury on Monday at about 23:15 GMT. | Alan Greaves, 68, from High Green in Sheffield was found on a pavement near his home on Greengate Lane with a head injury on Monday at about 23:15 GMT. |
| The force said the father of four died on Thursday evening after being treated at the city's Northern General Hospital. | |
| Det Supt Matt Fenwick, senior investigating officer in the case, said: "Mr Greaves appears to have suffered a brutal attack after leaving his home address to attend Midnight Mass. At this stage, the motive is unclear. | Det Supt Matt Fenwick, senior investigating officer in the case, said: "Mr Greaves appears to have suffered a brutal attack after leaving his home address to attend Midnight Mass. At this stage, the motive is unclear. |
| "I want to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident. If you know who did this, please come forward and offer your support to the family at this difficult time." | "I want to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident. If you know who did this, please come forward and offer your support to the family at this difficult time." |
| 'Gentle giant' | |
| Mr Greaves had been making his way to the church, as he was due to play the organ at a special communion service. | |
| Reverend Canon Simon Bessant of St Saviours Church at High Green said the community was "deeply shocked and traumatised by the news". | Reverend Canon Simon Bessant of St Saviours Church at High Green said the community was "deeply shocked and traumatised by the news". |
| He said: "This is a man who led his professional life in Sheffield as a social worker. He and his wife worked in children's work. He has given himself to the community. | |
| "He was very much a gentle giant. I can't find any other better word to describe Alan other than to say he is a good man. | |
| "There is no sense of understanding of why or how such a thing should happen." | "There is no sense of understanding of why or how such a thing should happen." |
| Mr Bessant added: "We will be losing a man who we had a huge respect for and was much valued and loved. This community will miss what he gave to them. | |
| "Our hearts and thoughts go to his family and our support for them at this time". | |
| The attack happened about 300 metres (984 ft) from the church Mr Greaves was due to visit and close to a primary school. | |
| Issues over safety in the area have been raised by local residents. | |
| Phillip Goddard said: "It makes us feel like we're not safe at night... You just don't know if you're safe." |