BREAKING NEWS: Downpatrick priest Canon John Murray is seriously ill in hospital following an assault
Detectives are appealing for information following the report of a priest being seriously assaulted in Downpatrick.
It was reported to police at around 10.10am on Sunday, 10th August that a man had walked into the church on St Patrick’s Avenue and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before leaving.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of head injury, where he remains in a serious condition.
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.”
You can also report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
Parishioners have called up to the parachial house but it is now closed at the moment. The front door of St Patrick’s Church is locked and detectives are on the crime scene.
As local people become aware of the incident, people are praying for Canon John Murray who was to step down following this horrific assault.
There has also been a further extreme development in another part of Downpatrick and Down News will report on that with an up-date shortly.
