Latest news with #NormanHaslett
Sky News
a day ago
- Sky News
'Shocking and brutal' on priest may be linked to man's murder
A man's death may be linked to a "brutal" attack on a priest in a church, police have said. Officers have begun a murder investigation after receiving a report that a man was found dead in Co Down. The discovery was made at an address in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick at about 12pm on Sunday. Police have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of murder and he is in custody. This comes after a priest was left in a serious condition in hospital following a "brutal attack" in 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. Superintendent Norman Haslett, district commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, said officers suspect the murder 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. Detective Chief Inspector David McBurney said it was a "brutal attack" on the priest and appealed for people with information to come forward. Sinn Fein MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, said the attack on the priest and the death of the man in Downpatrick were "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," he said. DUP MLA for South Down, Diane Forsythe, condemned the "disgraceful attack on a religious leader in a place of worship". Of the two incidents, she said: "There is no place for violent attacks in our society. "My thoughts and prayers are with the entire community as they process this devastating murder as well as the serious assault earlier today." Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray said the incidents had left many in the local community "in shock on what should be a day of peace and rest".
Sky News
a day ago
- Sky News
'Shocking and brutal' attack on priest may be linked to man's murder
A man's death may be linked to a "brutal" attack on a priest in a church, police have said. Officers have begun a murder investigation after receiving a report that a man was found dead in Co Down. The discovery was made at an address in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick at about 12pm on Sunday. Police have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of murder and he is in custody. This comes after a priest was left in a serious condition in hospital following a "brutal attack" in 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. Superintendent Norman Haslett, district commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, said officers suspect the murder 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. Detective Chief Inspector David McBurney said it was a "brutal attack" on the priest and appealed for people with information to come forward. Sinn Fein MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, said the attack on the priest and the death of the man in Downpatrick were "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," he said. DUP MLA for South Down, Diane Forsythe, condemned the "disgraceful attack on a religious leader in a place of worship". Of the two incidents, she said: "There is no place for violent attacks in our society. "My thoughts and prayers are with the entire community as they process this devastating murder as well as the serious assault earlier today." Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray said the incidents had left many in the local community "in shock on what should be a day of peace and rest".
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Murder probe launched after man found dead in Co Down house as PSNI arrest man, 30, & probe link to priest bottle attack
A MURDER probe has been launched after a man was found dead in a house in Co Down today. PSNI have arrested one man, aged 30, in relation to the death and suspect it may be linked to a bottle attack on a priest after being asked to take Confession. 2 2 PSNI said they suspect the death may be linked to an assault on a priest in the area earlier in the day. And it's understood that the priest was asked to hear Confession by the man who went on to attack him. In relation to the murder probe, Newry, Mourne and Down, District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett said: 'Police attended an address in the Marian Park area following a report of a deceased man at approximately 12pm on Sunday afternoon, 10th August. 'A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in police custody assisting with enquiries. 'Enquiries 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 added: '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 10/8/25.' In the earlier assault on a priest at St Patrick's Avenue, which took place around 10am, a priest was left in a "serious condition". It is understood the priest 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. After the attack PSNI launched a probe and appealed for anyone with information to come forward. BRUTAL PRIEST ATTACK The attack was described as "shocking and brutal" by investigating cops. 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." Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard said both the attack on the priest and he murder have been "deeply shocking" for the local area. He said: '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. '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.' PARISH PRAYERS The church confirmed that Canon Murray remains in a serious condition in hospital. A spokesperson for the diocese told RTE: "It's very concerning and disturbing that this attack occurred towards a priest who was vulnerable in the course of his ministry and service to the local community. "Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with Canon John Murray. "Canon Murray was due to retire as parish priest in the coming weeks and will continue to serve in the local family of parishes." Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray added that it was "tragic day" for Downpatrick, with locals left reeling.
Irish Times
a day ago
- Irish Times
Man (30) arrested on suspicion of murder following death of man in Co Down
A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in Co Down following the death of a man in Downpatrick. The PSNI said it had begun a murder investigation and that while enquiries are an at an early stage 'we suspect this may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick's Avenue area of Downpatrick on Sunday'. 'Police attended an address in the Marian Park area following a report of a deceased man at approximately 12pm on Sunday afternoon, ,' Newry, Mourne and Down, District Commander Supt Norman Haslett said. 'A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in police custody assisting with enquiries.' READ MORE Earlier on Sunday a man walked into a Downpatrick church on St Patrick's Avenue and hit a priest, Fr John Murray, on his head with a bottle before leaving. The priest is in a serious condition in hospital following what the PSNI described as a 'brutal attack'. Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has described the events in Downpatrick today as '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,' the South Down MP 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.' The PSNI is appleaing to anyone who believes they may have any information which could assist them with the murder investigation to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 713 of 10/8/25. Anyone with information on the assault in the church is asked to contact them quoting reference 543 of 10/08/25.
Sunday World
25-06-2025
- Sunday World
Investigation launched after report of sexual assault on teen girl in Co. Down
The cops have said that there will be a 'noticeable increase in police patrols in the area in the coming days and weeks'. Police are investigating a report of a sexual assault on a teenage girl in Co Down. Officers are investigating the alleged incident in the Samson's Lane area, off the Ardglass Road, in Downpatrick shortly after 8.30am on Tuesday. Local district commander Superintendent Norman Haslett said he wanted to reassure the community that there will be a 'noticeable increase in police patrols in the area in the coming days and weeks'. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content He also issued an appeal for anyone with information to come forward and speak to police. 'I want to reassure the community that a dedicated, skilled and specialist trained team of detectives are working at pace to support the victim of this crime and to progress the investigation,' he said. Forensics at the scene in Downpatrick (Pic: Watchroom NI) News in 90 Seconds - June 25th 'I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area yesterday morning, or who has any information that could help our investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to please bring it to us by calling 101, quoting reference 353 24/06/25 or online at
