Police said that they suspect that the man’s death “may be connected” to a serious assault in the St Patrick’s Avenue area of Downpatrick earlier today.
A 30-YEAR-OLD MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead in Co Down.
Police in Northern Ireland said that they suspect that the man’s death “may be connected” to a serious assault in the St Patrick’s Avenue area of Downpatrick earlier today.
This morning, at around 10:10am, a man walked into the church on St Patrick’s Avenue and hit the priest over the head with a glass bottle.
The priest was brought to hospital for treatment of a head injury and remains in serious condition.
The assault was described by police ad “completely shocking and brutal”.
The arrested man remains in police custody at this time.
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SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath condemned the attack on the priest, calling it “disgraceful”.
“For this to happen in the church is particularly disgusting and I have spoken to many members of the community who are shocked and upset that this has taken place.
“My thoughts are with the priest and others impacted by this attack. I hope that he makes a quick recovery and that the person responsible is apprehended.”
SDLP Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith visited the scene at Marian Park.
“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,” he said.
“This is an ongoing situation and I would ask people to give police time and space to carry out their investigations.
“People locally are devastated that this has happened on their doorsteps.”
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