Community ‘deeply shocked' after priest left in ‘serious' condition following ‘brutal' bottle attack in Irish church
A PRIEST has been left in a "serious" condition following an early morning attack at a church in Co Down.
The horror incident took place at St Patrick's Avenue in Downpatrick shortly after 10am this morning.
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Cops attended the scene this morning
Credit: PACEMAKER BELFAST
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The community has been left rattled
Credit: PACEMAKER BELFAST
It is understood priest Fr Murray suffered head injuries after being struck over the head with a bottle.
He has been taken to hospital and remains in "serious" condition at this time.
The PSNI have launched a major probe into the assault and are appealing for anyone with information to make contact with them.
The attack has been described as "shocking and brutal" by investigating cops.
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Detective Chief Inspector McBurney said: "This was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury.
"Our enquiries are ongoing into this incident, and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the assault, or has any information to contact Police on 101 and quoting reference 543 of 10/08/25."
Several politicians have blasted the horror attack in Down.
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath said the community had been left shaken by the assault.
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He said: "This is a disgraceful attack on an elderly priest which has left him in a serious condition in hospital.
"For this to happen in the church is particularly disgusting and I have spoken to many members of the community who are shocked and upset that this has taken place.
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'My thoughts are with the priest and others impacted by this attack. I hope that he makes a quick recovery and that the person responsible is apprehended.'
And it comes after a separate incident in which a man's body was discovered in a house in Downpatrick.
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A man in his 30s has been arrested as part of the investigation.
Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard has said his thoughts are with those impacted by both incidents.
He said: "What has happened in Downpatrick is deeply shocking.
'The death of a man, along with the vicious attack on Fr Murray in St Patrick's Church, has deeply saddened and horrified the local community.
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'My thoughts are with all those affected by these tragic events including family and friends of the victims, parishioners who were on their way to Mass this morning, and the emergency services who attended the scenes.
'I would encourage anyone with information to contact police to assist them with their investigations.'
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