Latest news with #DetChInspMcBurney
BBC News
11-08-2025
- BBC News
Downpatrick murder inquiry may be linked to 'brutal' attack on priest
A 30-year-old man is still being held on suspicion of murder after a man's death in Downpatrick, that police said might be linked to a "brutal" attack on a priest in a church in the went to a house in Marian Park at about 12:00 BST on Sunday after a report that a body had been found. Police suspect the case might be connected to an attack on a priest, Fr John Murray, in St Patrick's Church in the County Down was hit on the head with a bottle while preparing to celebrate his last Mass before his retirement. Police said he remained in a serious condition in a Belfast hospital. Police said a man walked into the church on St Patrick's Avenue at 10:10 BST on Sunday and hit the priest before Ch Insp McBurney said it "was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury".The priest was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in of people attended a vigil in Downpatrick's St Brigid's Church on Sunday evening. Fr Martin Graham, who took the service, said it was about being with the parishioners and praying with them, for Fr Murray and also "for the other poor man who lost his life".He said Fr Murray had given the last 11 years of life to the parish and was due to retire on Thursday."He is so well thought of by the people here," he said. "It is just heartbreaking for them in what was supposed to be a poignant farewell this morning that it turned into something which was just grotesque." Supt Norman Haslett said enquiries were at an early stage and at this time, they suspect the Marian Park incident "may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick's Avenue area of Downpatrick on Sunday".Speaking about the death in Marian Park, SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith said a family were now in mourning."It is really sad that this has resulted in two daughters left behind, grandchildren left behind," he added."And for what, we just don't know why."
BBC News
10-08-2025
- BBC News
Downpatrick: Priest left with 'serious head injury' after attack
A priest is being treated in hospital for a "serious head injury" after being hit with a bottle in was attacked in St Patrick's Church prior to a Mass service at about 10:10 BST on said that a man walked into the church on St Patrick's Avenue and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before a statement on social media, Downpatrick Family Of Parishes said: "Fr Murray is currently receiving medical treatment. We thank you for your prayers and well wishes." Det Ch Insp McBurney said: "This was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury."The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of head injury, where he remains in a serious condition."
