Family tributes to ‘caring’ granny Beryl Purdy, 86, as church warden ‘murdered’ after man escaped mental health unit

FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a gran who was "murdered" after a man escaped from a mental health unit.

Beryl 'Bez' Purdy, 86, was found suffering serious injuries at the property in Broomfield, Somerset, at about 5.45pm on Monday.

Cops and paramedics desperately tried to save her, but Beryl sadly died at the scene.

A murder investigation was launched following the 86-year-old's death which is being led by the Major Crime Investigation Team.

Now Beryl's family have paid tribute to her, saying: "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 church warden for 20 years.

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

Avon and Somerset Police said a man in his 30s was arrested before being sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

They confirmed the suspect was reported missing from a mental health unit shortly before Beryl was found dead.

A spokesman said: "All our thoughts continue to be with Beryl’s family during this incredibly difficult time.

"The family continues to be supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

"A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of murder and has since been sectioned and transferred to a secure mental health unit while enquiries continue."