PSNI confirms “one line of enquiry” is that Downpatrick killing and priest attack linked

“I want to reassure the local community that there is no ongoing risk to the public and you will see an increased visible police presence in the area over the next few days”

The PSNI has confirmed that “one line of enquiry” is that the killing of a grandad and a brutal attack on a priest are connected.

At around 10.10am on August 10 a man entered St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick and reportedly attacked parish priest Father John Murray with a bottle causing him serious injuries. While officers were attending the scene they received a report about the death of a man in his 50s at a property in the Marian Park area.

The deceased has been named locally as grandfather and father of two Stephen Brannigan with police launching a murder investigation in the wake of his death.

READ MORE: Downpatrick parish issues statement as priest remains in hospital following attackREAD MORE: Downpatrick murder victim named locally as father-of-two

A 30-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody at this time.

The PSNI have now said they believe that the Mr Brannigan’s killing and the attack on Father Murray are connected.

Detectives are asking the public for help with their investigation and are asking anyone who was in the in the St Patrick’s Avenue area of Downpatrick between 9am and 11am on Sunday, or the Marian Park area between 12 midnight and 12 noon on Sunday and saw anything that could assist them to contact them.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, from the Major Investigation Team, said: “On Sunday morning, 10 August, at approximately 10.10am, police received a report that a priest had been seriously assaulted. This was in a church in the St Patrick’s Avenue area of the town.

“A man entered the church and brutally attacked the priest with a bottle. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a head injury. Here, he remains in a serious, but stable, condition.

“While attending this serious assault, at around midday, police received a report of the death of a man at an address in the Marian Park area.

“Officers attended along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Sadly, the man, who is aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Following initial enquires, a murder investigation was launched, and a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has also been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and remains in custody at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Robinson continued: “Our investigations into both the murder and attempted murder are at the early stages. While I can confirm that one line of enquiry is that the two are connected, I would reiterate that our enquiries are ongoing in an effort to establish the facts surrounding both incidents. “I am keen to appeal to anyone who was in the St Patrick’s Avenue area of Downpatrick between 9am and 11am on Sunday, or the Marian Park area between 12 midnight and 12 noon on Sunday, and saw or heard anything untoward, to please come forward and speak to us.