A person has been discovered lifeless hours after a priest was attacked with a bottle as he was about to conduct mass.
Father John Murray was getting ready a service at St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick, Northern Eire when he was assaulted within the place of worship.
The person entered church at round 10am this morning and attacked the priest with a glass bottle earlier than leaving right away.
He was taken to hospital for therapy for his head damage the place he stays in a severe situation, police have mentioned.
Hours later, a homicide inquiry was launched after stories {that a} man had died round noon.
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Officers have since arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of homicide andbelieve the 2 incidents could also be interlinked.
Superintendent Norman Haslett mentioned: ‘Enquiries are at an early stage and, at the moment, we suspect this can be linked to a severe assault within the St Patrick’s Avenue space of Downpatrick on Sunday.’
Talking after the assault on Father Murray, DCI McBurney mentioned: ‘This was a totally stunning and brutal assault and has left the priest with a severe head damage.
‘Our enquiries are ongoing into this incident, and we’re interesting to anybody who witnessed the assault, or has any data to contact Police on 101 and quoting reference 543 of 10/08/25.’
Downpatrick Household of Parishes mentioned in a press release: ‘Parishioners will pay attention to an incident in St Patrick’s Church earlier at present.
‘Fr Murray is at present receiving medical therapy. We thanks on your prayers and effectively needs.’
Chris Hazzard, the Sinn Fein MP for South Down condemned what he known as a ‘cowardly’ act.
He wrote on Fb: ‘I used to be shocked and saddened to listen to the information from Downpatrick this morning that Father Murray was attacked in St Patrick’s Church.
‘My ideas and prayers are with him, and I want him a full and speedy restoration.’
Northern Eire Meeting member Cathy Mason mentioned she was ‘horrified’ to listen to of the assault.
‘The assault on Father Murray in St Patrick’s Church, Downpatrick, this morning is deeply stunning’, she wrote on-line.
‘Nobody ought to ever face violence, least of all in a spot of worship. This was a shameful act and have to be condemned outright.
‘My ideas are with Father Murray and I hope he makes a swift and full restoration.’
Colin McGrath, an SDLP councillor, mentioned the group had been ‘shocked’ by the ‘disgusting assault’.
He advised Northern Eire World: ‘For this to occur within the church is especially disgusting and I’ve spoken to many members of the group who’re shocked and upset that this has taken place.’
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