A priest is in hospital with a serious head injury after being struck with a bottle inside St Patrick’s Church, Downpatrick, shortly before a Sunday Mass.
The incident occurred at around 10:10 BST on Sunday when a man entered the church on St Patrick’s Avenue and assaulted the priest before leaving.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service responded, taking the injured priest to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. He remains in a serious condition.
In a statement, the Downpatrick Family of Parishes confirmed:
“Fr Murray is currently receiving medical treatment. We thank you for your prayers and well wishes.”
Detective Chief Inspector McBurney described the incident as a “completely shocking and brutal attack.”
Police inquiries are ongoing.
