A man has been murdered in Downpatrick and a priest is now seriously ill after an attack in a separate savage assault
Sunday morning is a time for going to church and spending time with your family.
However, further developments in Downpatrick have emerged following the shocking serious assault on a local priest in St Patrick’s Church around 10am on Sunday morning 10th August.
There has been widespread shock at the beating of Canon John Murray, and details have now emerged that his attacker may be linked to the earlier murder of a man who lived at Marian Park in the town that same morning.
The murdered man was in his early 60s in Marian Park and the police are now investigating his links to the priest’s attack he church in Downpatrick. A local resident said that he may have been seeking to go to confession following the murder at a time when Canon Murray was due to attend mass.
Police Issue Murder Inquiry Statement
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a man in Downpatrick.
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.
“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.”
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via:
www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at:
www.crimestoppers-uk.org which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
McGrath Condemns Serious Attack On Local Priest
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has condemned an attack on a priest in Downpatrick The priest was attacked at the church on St Patrick’s Avenue.
Colin McGrath said there was another on-going incident in the Marian Park area later on Sunday morning.
Following the incidents in Downpatrick, South Down MLA McGrath said: “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.
“My thoughts are with the priest and others impacted by this attack. I hope that he makes a quick and full recovery and that the person responsible is faces the full weight of the law.”
SDLP Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith visited the scene at Marian Park. He said: “This is a very difficult day for people in Downpatrick after these two incidents, and I have visited the residents to show my support to those affected.
“This is an on-going 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.”
Hazzard expresses shock at Downpatrick attacks
Sinn Féin South Down MP Chris Hazzard has expressed his shock following the death of a man and a violent 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.”
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