TWO men have been charged with murder after a fatal attack on a peace-loving artist at Hawkwood College.

Lawrence Hart, 53, died and a 52-year-old man was injured in the brutal attack, which happened as a yoga class of about 40 people was being taking place nearby.

It is believed that Mr Hart, who lived at the college, confronted intruders at the isolated centre, which runs 'lifestyle' courses from its rolling 42-acre campus in Wick Street, with his colleague at around 9.30pm on Thursday.

Two Gloucester men, aged 29 and 33, were arrested on Friday on suspicion of murder and burglary.

Both men were yesterday charged with murder and grievous bodily harm and will appear before Cheltenham magistrates today.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Sellwood, who is heading the inquiry, said:

"Incidents of this sort are very rare in Stroud, and indeed Gloucestershire as a whole.

"We owe it to the family of the man who has died to ensure those responsible are brought to justice so that they cannot bring similar suffering to others."

Officers swooped on a house in Gloucester on Saturday and it was later confirmed this raid was linked to the college attack.

And on Monday police revealed they are also hunting a car believed to have been used by the suspects on the night.

DCI Sellwood said the N-reg, British racing green Rover 214 is likely to have been used in a series of burglaries and car break-ins in the Painswick area that night.

"Anyone who knows the vehicle's movements on the days and even weeks prior to the incident or who knows anyone who owns such a vehicle, particularly in the Stroud or Gloucester areas, should ring us," said DCI Sellwood.

A 30-year-old man who was also arrested on suspicion of murder has been released without charge.

Both the men detained were still in police custody yesterday.

Anyone with information should call Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.