Police are investigating the attempted murder of Father John Murray and the murder of Downpatrick grandfather Stephen Brannigan
Downpatrick priest Father John Murray remains in a stable condition tonight in hospital as his parish thanks people from across the world for their support.
The priest was assaulted with a bottle at St Patrick’s Church in the Co Down town on Sunday, August 10. The PSNI say “one line of enquiry” is that the attack and the killing of a grandad in the town on the same day are connected.
Shortly after the attack on Father Murray, police received reports that grandfather and father of two Stephen Brannigan had been killed at a property on Marion Park, with the force later launching a murder investigation.
READ MORE: Downpatrick murder victim was ‘beloved’ father and grandfather, family sayREAD MORE: PSNI confirms “one line of enquiry” is that Downpatrick killing and priest attack linked
Downpatrick Parish has provided an update on the priest’s condition this evening saying that he remains in a stable condition and that it is grateful for the messages of support received from not just the local community but people around the world.
It has also appealled for people to give Father Murray privacy at this time, with visitations being restricted to his immediate family.
The Downpatrick Family of Parish issued a statement on social media saying: “Canon Murray remains in a Stable Condition this evening. Please continue with your prayerful support. We want to thank all those who have phoned from all corners of the globe, those of other faiths. and all those who have helped in any way over the last 24 hours – it is sincerely appreciated.
“We ask at this time that Parishioners and Friends respect the Privacy of Canon Murray and his family – Visitation is RESTRICTED TO IMMEDIATE FAMILY ONLY. Thank you for your understanding at this time.”
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.
“Any detail, no matter how small, could be of vital importance to our investigation. I would ask anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage to contact us on 101, quoting reference 713 of 10/08/25.”
Superintendent Norman Haslett, the District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, added: “I would like to express my sympathy to family members, friends and the wider community in Downpatrick who are today left shaken by the tragic events of the weekend. For a man to be murdered and a Priest to be attacked in the sanctity of his own church, these are appalling acts and I understand that many people will inevitably be struggling to come to terms with both grief and shock.
“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.
“Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
#Parish #update #injured #priest #Father #John #Murray #attempted #murder
