Murder in Northern Ireland ‘linked to brutal attack on priest'
Police received a report that a man was found dead at an address in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick at around 12pm on Sunday. A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody.
It came after a priest was left in a serious condition in hospital after a 'brutal attack' at a church in Downpatrick on Sunday morning.
It was reported to police that, at about 10.10am, a man walked into St Patrick's Church and hit Fr John Murray on the head with a bottle.
'Inquiries at an early stage'
Supt Norman Haslett, the district commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, said officers suspected the murder investigation may be linked to the attack on the priest.
'Inquiries are at an early stage and, at this time, we suspect this may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick's Avenue area of Downpatrick on Sunday,' he said.
'I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 713 of Aug 10 2025.'
Police said it was a 'shocking and brutal attack' on the priest, and appealed for people with information to come forward.
Chris Hazzard, the Sinn Fein MP for South Down, said: '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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