Murder inquiry launched after death in County Down

2 hours ago 1

Pacemaker Two police officers standing in an narrow alleyway, which has a row of houses and fences to the left. There is a police car at the end of the alleyway. There are a few bins on the right up against a wall.

A murder inquiry has been launched after the death of a man in Downpatrick.

Police received a report that a man was found dead at house in Marian Park at about 12:00 BST on Sunday.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Police suspect the case might be connected to a serious assault on a priest in St Patrick's Church in the County Down town.

Supt Norman Haslett said: "Enquiries are at an early stage and, at this time, we suspect this may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick's Avenue area of Downpatrick on Sunday."

Previously, police said a man walked into the church on St Patrick's Avenue at about 10:10 and hit the priest, Fr John Murray, on the head with a bottle.

Det Ch Insp McBurney said it "was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury".

The priest was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where police said he remained in a "serious condition".

Read Entire Article