Downpatrick murder inquiry may be linked to ‘brutal’ attack on priest

PacemakerFr John Murray was attacked previous to celebrating his final Mass on SundayA 30-year-old man continues to be being held on suspicion of homicide after a person’s dying in Downpatrick, that police mentioned is likely to be linked to a “brutal” assault on a priest in a church within the city.Officers went to a home in Marian Park at about 12:00 BST on Sunday after a report {that a} physique had been discovered. Police suspect the case is likely to be linked to an assault on a priest, Fr John Murray, in St Patrick’s Church within the County Down city.He was hit on the pinnacle with a bottle whereas getting ready to have a good time his final Mass earlier than his retirement. Police mentioned he remained in a severe situation in a Belfast hospital.Police mentioned a person walked into the church on St Patrick’s Avenue at 10:10 BST on Sunday and hit the priest earlier than leaving.Det Ch Insp McBurney mentioned it “was a totally surprising and brutal assault and has left the priest with a severe head harm”.The priest was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.Tons of of individuals attended a vigil in Downpatrick’s St Brigid’s Church on Sunday night. Fr Martin Graham, who took the service, mentioned it was about being with the parishioners and praying with them, for Fr Murray and likewise “for the opposite poor man who misplaced his life”.He mentioned Fr Murray had given the final 11 years of life to the parish and was on account of retire on Thursday.”He’s so effectively considered by the individuals right here,” he mentioned. “It’s simply heartbreaking for them in what was purported to be a poignant farewell this morning that it changed into one thing which was simply grotesque.”Officers went to a home in Marian Park at about 12:00 BSTSupt Norman Haslett mentioned enquiries had been at an early stage and presently, they think the Marian Park incident “could also be linked to a severe assault within the St Patrick’s Avenue space of Downpatrick on Sunday”.Talking in regards to the dying in Marian Park, SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith mentioned a household had been now in mourning.”It’s actually unhappy that this has resulted in two daughters left behind, grandchildren left behind,” he added.”And for what, we simply do not know why.”