Two nuns stabbed to death in Mississippi

Two nuns have been stabbed to death in Mississippi.

Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill, both 68, were described as "two of the sweetest, most gentle women you can imagine."

The pair were found dead in their home in the rural region of Durant after failing to show up for work.

Maureen Smith, a spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, said there were signs of a break-in and the nuns' vehicle was missing.

The car, a blue Toyota Corolla, was found abandoned on a secluded street less than a mile from the murder scene.

Police said it was unclear at this stage if the nuns' religious work had anything to do with the attack.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz said the sisters had spent "years of dedicated service" - most recently working as nurses in a medical clinic to help the poor.

The two nuns provided almost all the care at the clinic and many in the community wondered what would happen to it now.