Co Down parish reels from murder and priest attack

Man, 30, suspected of both crimes will appear in court today

- CATE MCCURRY

A community in Co Down has been “shaken and upset deeply” by the attack on a priest and the death of a man at the weekend, Bishop Alan McGuckian has said.

Father John Murray was struck on the head in a brutal attack at St Patrick's Church in Downpatrick on Sunday.

He was approached by a man who asked if he would hear his confession ahead of the morning service, and then attacked as shocked parishioners arrived for mass.

Father Murray had been due to retire later this week.

Police have said the attack may be linked to the death of a man in Downpatrick, who they named as Stephen Brannigan.

A 30-year-old man remains in police custody and was being questioned on suspicion of murder after Mr Brannigan, aged 56, was found dead at an address in Marian Park at about 12pm on Sunday.

Police said the man has subsequently been charged with murder and attempted murder and is due to appear before Newtownards Magistrates' Court today.