Police have begun a murder investigation into a man’s death which is believed to be linked to a “brutal” attack on a priest in a church in Co Down earlier on Sunday.
Police received a report that a man had been 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.
RM Block
It was reported to police that at about 10.10am, a man had walked into St Patrick’s Church and hit Fr John Murray on the head with a bottle.
Supt Norman Haslett, district commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, said officers suspect 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.”
Det Chief Insp David 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 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."
Diane Forsythe, DUP MLA for South Down, 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.”
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”.
A prayer service was to be held in Downpatrick on Sunday night in response to the day’s events.
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.
