Man, 30, charged with murder and attempted murder
A man has been charged with murder and attempted murder in the wake of two attacks in Downpatrick.
The move, announced by the PSNI on Tuesday evening, comes after Stephen Brannigan was killed in the town on Sunday and Fr John Murray was assaulted at St Patrick’s Church, also on Sunday.
In the statement, the police said: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team, investigating the murder of Stephen Brannigan and the serious assault of a priest in Downpatrick on Sunday 10th August, have charged a man to court.
“The man, aged 30, has been charged with murder and attempted murder. He is due to appear before Newtownards Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Wednesday 13th August. As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”
Earlier today Bishop Alan McGuckian said the local community had been “shaken and upset deeply” by the attack on a priest and the death of a man at the weekend.
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