Latest news with #brutalattack
Telegraph
18 hours ago
- Telegraph
Murder in Northern Ireland ‘linked to brutal attack on priest'
The murder of a man in Northern Ireland may be linked to a 'brutal' attack on a priest, police have said. 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.'
The Independent
21 hours ago
- The Independent
Murder investigation may be linked to ‘brutal attack' on priest
A murder investigation has been launched into a man's death that police said may be linked to a 'brutal' attack on a priest in a church in Co Down. Police received a report that a man was found dead at an address in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick at about 12pm on Sunday. A man, 30, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody. It comes after a priest was left in a serious condition in hospital after 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 the 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 that 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 10 August 2025.' Detective Chief Inspector McBurney said it was a 'shocking and brutal attack' on the priest and appealed for people with information to come forward. The 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. '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.' DUP MLA for South Down Diane Forsythe condemned the 'shocking and 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 'heartbreaking' incidents had left many in the local community 'in shock on what should be a day of peace and rest'. 'First and foremost, my thoughts and sympathies are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the two victims of today's attacks, as well as anyone who's been impacted. 'I want to wish Fr Murray all the best for a hopefully speedy recovery. 'I also want to extend my thanks to the local PSNI officers who acted swiftly and professionally in dealing with the incidents, under what will have been difficult and distressing circumstances. 'Tonight, I will be standing alongside the people of Downpatrick at a special prayer service in response to today's events, and in honour of the victims and their families.' Anyone with information is urged to bring it to the attention of police by calling 101 and quoting reference 543 of 10/08/25 for the assault on the priest, or 713 of 10/08/25 for the murder inquiry. People can also submit a report on the PSNI website or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Murder probe may be linked to ‘brutal attack' on priest, say police
A murder investigation has been launched into a man's death that police said may be linked to a 'brutal' attack on a priest in a church in Co Down. Police received a report that a man was found dead at an address in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick at about 12pm on Sunday. A man, 30, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody. It comes after a priest was left in a serious condition in hospital after 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 the 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 that 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 August 10 2025.' Detective Chief Inspector McBurney said it was a 'shocking and brutal attack' on the priest and appealed for people with information to come forward. The Sinn Fein MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, said the attack on the priest and the death of the man in Downpatrick was '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. '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.'
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Co Down murder probe may be linked to ‘brutal attack' on priest, say police
A murder investigation has been launched into a man's death that police said may be linked to a 'brutal' attack on a priest in a church in Co Down. Police received a report that a man was found dead at an address in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick at about 12pm on Sunday. Advertisement A man, 30, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody. It comes after a priest was left in a serious condition in hospital after 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 the 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 that the murder investigation may be linked to the attack on the priest. Advertisement '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 August 10 2025.' Detective Chief Inspector McBurney said it was a 'shocking and brutal attack' on the priest and appealed for people with information to come forward. The Sinn Féin MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, said the attack on the priest and the death of the man in Downpatrick was 'deeply shocking'. Advertisement '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.' People can also submit a report on the PSNI website or anonymously through Crimestoppers. Advertisement
The Guardian
5 days ago
- The Guardian
Man who killed woman in ‘vicious and brutal attack' in Suffolk jailed for life
A man who beat a woman to death in a 'vicious and brutal attack' as she walked her dog, having previously been in prison for a similar assault on a man in his 80s, has been jailed for life. Anita Rose, 57, was found grievously wounded on 24 July 2024 in Brantham, Suffolk, with her dog tied to her leg by its lead to stop it running off. Her attacker was Roy Barclay, 56, who had been living rough to escape capture. He had been jailed for a 2015 attack on a man in his 80s, who was also found with his dog tied to his leg. Barclay had been released early from a 10-year sentence, but was wanted for recall to prison for breaching the terms of his licence when he attacked Rose, a mother of six. The court heard she suffered a 'vicious and brutal attack' with Barclay raining down 'kicks, stamps and blows on her'. His boot print matched those found on her body. Rose died four days later in hospital, having been found by passersby, suffering injuries so severe they were similar to those of a victim of a car crash. Barclay was sentenced to a minimum term of 25 years and the daughter of his victim, Jessica Cox, told of her family's grief in a victim impact statement. Barclay has shown no remorse, she said, and not told police why he exploded in violence. Cox said: 'He has put us through a nightmare which we can't wake up from. I believe he's cunning and I believe he's enjoyed what he's done and the trial itself. 'He's not answered why he did what he did. What he's done is horrific and it's evil. He's given no reason why he's changed our lives forever. We will never have the answers we deserve as a family.' Barclay lived rough for two years, breaking into a sewage works through a hole in the fence, which he cut, to wash. Rose was found near the sewage works, just after 6.25am having set out just after 5am to walk her springer spaniel, Bruce. Having left Rose for dead, Barclay stole items from her including her earphones, which he used, and other phone accessories, which were found on him when he was arrested. A search of his phone found Barclay had scoured the internet for news about the police manhunt for him as well as searching for information about DNA detection, how long a murder trial took and prisons. He had searched online for information on the detectives leading the hunt for him as well. He also shaved his head and beard as he tried to avoid capture, and lived rough near a bridge. In 2015, Barclay attacked an 82-year-old man in Essex so severely he needed 10 titanium plates in his head. He was released from jail in 2020 and was required to live at approved premises, but failed to do so. By May 2022, he was recalled to prison and started living 'off grid' to avoid capture. Barclay stayed mostly in the countryside. He was captured three months after the attack, on 21 October 2024, in Ipswich Library. The Suffolk probation service has started an internal inquiry. Judge Martyn Levett described Barclay as 'unpredictable' and 'someone prone to dangerous outbursts at the slightest confrontation'. He said there were similarities between the two attacks and added: 'Due to your silence in police interviews, and you choosing not to give evidence in your defence, we will perhaps never know what triggered this outburst of horrific violence.' DCI Matthew Connick, who led the manhunt, said: 'Anita Rose was subjected to the most shocking and violent attack on the outskirts of her village whilst she was alone and vulnerable on her early morning dog walk.'
