Downpatrick: Priest in serious condition after ‘brutal attack’ in St Patrick’s Church

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 Street area of Downpatrick on Sunday.

“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.”

It’s understood that a prayer service will take place at St Brigid’s Church this evening at 7pm.

Earlier it was reported that a priest was seriously assaulted at his church in Downpatrick.

It was reported that at around 10.10am on Sunday August 10 that a man had walked into the St Patrick’s Church on St Patrick’s Avenue and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before leaving.

Fr John Murray was taken to hospital for treatment of head injury, where he remains in a serious condition.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it was one of two incidents this morning in the town.

It said it had received a 999 call at 11.57am after “reports of an incident in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick,” a spokesman said.

“NIAS despatched two emergency ambulances and an ambulance officer to the incident.

“It remains an ongoing incident.”

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath condemned the attack on the priest.

“This is a disgraceful attack on an elderly priest which has left him in a serious condition in hospital. 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,” he said.

“My thoughts are with the priest and others impacted by this attack. I hope that he makes a quick recovery and that the person responsible is apprehended.”

SDLP Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith visited the scene at Marian Park.

Councillor Galbraith told the Irish News he had spoken to “heartbroken” relatives of a man who had died.

“This is a very difficult day for people in Downpatrick after these two incidents and I have visited the Marian Park area to show my support to those affected,” he said in a statement.

“This is an ongoing situation and I would ask people to give police time and space to carry out their investigations.

“People locally are devastated that this has happened on their doorsteps.”

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.”

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Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard expressed his shock following the death of a man and an attack on a local priest in Downpatrick.

“What has happened in Downpatrick is deeply shocking,” the South Down MP 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.”

It’s understood the priest was set to retire soon.

Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray has echoed shock and distress felt by the local community in Downpatrick.

“This is a tragic day for Downpatrick, the heartbreaking events of which have left many here in the local community in shock on what should be a day of peace and rest,” Mr McMurray said:

“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 Father 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.”

Commenting on a post addressing the incident by Downpatrick Family Parishes, parishioners have shared well wishes on social media, with many describing it as “shocking.”

One woman commented on the post, stating that her father was in the Downpatrick church at the time of the incident.

One wrote: “Praying that he makes a full recovery. Holding Fr. Murray in my prayers and his family, Also all our priests in the parish and our parishioners. God bless Fr Murray.”

Another commented: “Totally shocked and disgusted at this terrible news. Prayers and thoughts with Canon Murray for a full recovery.”

In a Facebook post Kilmore and Killyleagh Parishes asked for people to “pray for his speedy recovery both physically and emotionally from this frightening incident”.