Police link ‘brutal’ bottle attack on priest to man found dead in same town

A man has been found dead hours after a priest was attacked with a bottle as he was about to conduct mass.

Father John Murray was preparing a service at St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland when he was assaulted in the place of worship.

The man entered church at around 10am this morning and attacked the priest with a glass bottle before leaving straight away.

He was taken to hospital for treatment for his head injury where he remains in a serious condition, police have said.

Hours later, a murder inquiry was launched after reports that a man had died around midday.

Officers have since arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of murder andbelieve the two incidents may be interlinked.

Superintendent Norman Haslett said: ‘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.’

Speaking after the attack on Father Murray, DCI 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.’

Downpatrick Family of Parishes said in a statement: ‘Parishioners will be aware of an incident in St Patrick’s Church earlier today.

‘Fr Murray is currently receiving medical treatment. We thank you for your prayers and well wishes.’

Chris Hazzard, the Sinn Fein MP for South Down condemned what he called a ‘cowardly’ act.

He wrote on Facebook: ‘I was shocked and saddened to hear the news from Downpatrick this morning that Father Murray was attacked in St Patrick’s Church.

‘My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.’

Northern Ireland Assembly member Cathy Mason said she was ‘horrified’ to hear of the attack.

‘The attack on Father Murray in St Patrick’s Church, Downpatrick, this morning is deeply shocking’, she wrote online.

‘No one should ever face violence, least of all in a place of worship. This was a shameful act and must be condemned outright.

‘My thoughts are with Father Murray and I hope he makes a swift and full recovery.’

Colin McGrath, an SDLP councillor, said the community had been ‘shocked’ by the ‘disgusting attack’.

He told Northern Ireland World: ‘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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