Downpatrick: Murder inquiry launched after man's death

A murder inquiry has been launched after the death of a man in Downpatrick.

Police received a report that a man was found dead at house in Marian Park at about 12:00 BST on Sunday.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Police suspect the case might be connected to a serious assault on a priest in St Patrick’s Church in the County Down town.

Supt Norman Haslett said: “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.”

Previously, police said a man walked into the church on St Patrick’s Avenue at about 10:10 and hit the priest, Fr John Murray, on the head with a bottle before leaving.

Det Ch Insp McBurney said it “was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury”.

The priest was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where police said he remained in a “serious condition”.

Sinn Féin MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, said the attack on the priest and the death of the man in Downpatrick was “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,” he said.

“My thoughts are with all those affected by these tragic events, 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.”