Murder in Downpatrick: Link to priest assault, suspect police as man arrested
Police probing a murder in Downpatrick are investigating a link to a bottle attack on a priest on the same day.
A 30-year-old man has been arrested and the body of a man found in Marian Park, in a housing estate in the north-east of the Co Down town, is being treated as murder, the PSNI have confirmed.
Canon John Murray, a priest at St Patrick’s Church a little over a mile away from the murder scene, was attacked with a bottle shortly before Mass on Sunday morning. He remains in hospital in a serious condition, and police suspect the two crimes may be connected.
The attack on Fr Murray took place at around 10.10am, while the Marian Park body was found around noon.
After visiting the murder scene, councillor Conor Galbraith said people locally are “devastated that this has happened on their doorsteps”.
The SDLP man added: “This is a very difficult day for people in Downpatrick after these two incidents, and I have visited the Marian Park area to show my support to those affected.
“This is an ongoing situation and I would ask people to give police time and space to carry out their investigations."
A short prayer service calling for “peace in our community” will be held in St Brigid’s Church this evening, while Mass has been cancelled at St Patrick’s until further notice.
Newry, Mourne and Down PSNI 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.
“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.
Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray said he shared the “shock and distress” felt by the Downpatrick community in the wake of Sunday’s incidents.
“This is a tragic day for Downpatrick, the heart-breaking events of which have left many in the local community in shock on what should be a day of peace and rest,” he said.
“First and foremost, my thoughts and sympathies are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the two victims of today’s attacks, as well as anyone who’s been impacted. I want to wish Father Murray all the best for a hopefully speedy recovery.
“I also want to extend my thanks to the local PSNI officers who acted swiftly and professionally in dealing with the incidents, under what will have been difficult and distressing circumstances.
“Tonight, I will be standing alongside the people of Downpatrick at a special prayer service in response to today’s events, and in honour of the victims and their families.”