Ms Purdy was found badly hurt at her house on Monday afternoon.

Police officers were called to the scene and attempted to revive her, but were unable to. It is understood the officers were called by two men who found Ms Purdy.

By the time she was found, it is understood that her attacker had left the area. However, an arrest was made by police using a helicopter and dog unit.

Issuing a statement through Avon and Somerset Police, her family said she was “very much part of the village” and would be missed.

They 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 churchwarden for 20 years.

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

A man in his 30s was located in Broomfield on Monday night at around 8.40pm.

He has since been sectioned under the Mental Health Act and transferred to a secure mental health unit.

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Avon and Somerset Police launched a murder investigation which is being led by the major crime investigation team.

The police said the family is being supported by specially trained liaison officers. The death of Ms Purdy is not the first tragedy to hit the family.

Ms Purdy’s daughter, Alison, a police constable with Avon and Somerset Police, died in 2012 at the age of 46 after a riding accident.

Ms Purdy, who also looked after bookings at the village hall, served as a churchwarden of St Mary and All Saints church for 20 years. Following her decision to step down as churchwarden, local parishioners organised a collection for her.

Ms Purdy was also the main carer for her husband, who it is believed has mobility issues. He is said to be “distraught” at the news of his wife’s death.

Following the incident, Avon and Somerset Police said a mandatory conduct referral had been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over a concerning action following a missing person report on Monday.

Speaking to the Mail, an IOPC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have received a referral from Avon and Somerset Police. We are now assessing the referral to determine what action may be needed by the IOPC.”

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