A Catholic priest has been left in a serious condition in hospital after being struck on the head with a bottle during what police have described as a “brutal attack” inside a church in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.
Father John Murray was attacked at St Patrick’s Church on St Patrick’s Avenue at approximately 10:10am on Sunday morning as he prepared for Mass in the church’s sacristy. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said a man walked into the church and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before leaving the scene.
The priest was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he remains in a serious condition following emergency treatment for his head injury. St MacNissi’s Parish in Larne confirmed Fr Murray had been taken to the hospital for surgery.
Police have now launched a murder investigation in Downpatrick and confirmed a man in his 30s is in custody. Superintendent Norman Haslett, district commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, said officers suspect the murder investigation may be linked to the attack on the priest.
“Inquiries 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,” he said. “I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 713 of August 10 2025.”
Detective Chief Inspector McBurney said: “This was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury. Our enquiries are ongoing into this incident, and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the assault, or has any information to contact Police on 101 and quoting reference 543 of 10/08/25.”
The Diocese of Down and Connor confirmed Fr Murray was attacked by a man who had asked him for confession. An elderly parishioner who was in the church when the incident occurred told the BBC he heard women saying Fr Murray was injured. He said the women would not let him into the sacristy where the attack took place.
“Then the police arrived – there was commotion, everyone was talking. And then I heard the ambulance arrive,” he said. “It was mayhem in the church. People were aghast at what happened.”
The parishioner, who knows Fr Murray well, described him as a “really brilliant man” and confirmed the priest was officially retired but was helping out when needed. Local reports suggest Fr Murray had been preparing for one of his last Masses before stepping down from his duties.
The attack has shocked the local community and prompted an outpouring of support from political leaders and parishioners. Sinn Féin MP for South Down Chris Hazzard said he was “shocked and saddened” by the news.
“The death of a man, along with the vicious attack on Fr Murray in St Patrick’s Church, has deeply saddened and horrified the local community,” Mr Hazzard said. “My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery. This cowardly attack is completely unacceptable and I condemn it unequivocally.”
Assembly member Cathy Mason said she was “horrified” by the attack. “No one should ever face violence, least of all in a place of worship. This was a shameful act and must be condemned outright,” she wrote on Facebook. “My thoughts are with Father Murray and I hope he makes a swift and full recovery.”
SDLP South Down assembly member Colin McGrath condemned the “disgraceful” attack, adding: “For this to happen in the church is particularly disgusting and I have spoken to many members of the community who are shocked and upset that this has happened.”
St MacNissi’s Parish in Larne asked for prayers for Fr Murray’s recovery. “Please remember Fr Murray, retiring Parish Priest of Downpatrick who was the subject of an incident this morning in St Patrick’s Church, Downpatrick which left him requiring medical care,” a Facebook post read. “Pray for his speedy recovery both physically and emotionally from this frightening incident.”
The Downpatrick Family of Parishes thanked people for their prayers and support, posting: “Parishioners will be aware of an incident in St Patrick’s Church earlier today. Fr Murray is currently receiving medical treatment. We thank you for your prayers and well wishes.”
Mr Hazzard said he would be attending a special prayer service in Downpatrick on Sunday evening “in response to today’s events, and in honour of the victims and their families”. He also thanked local PSNI officers “who acted swiftly and professionally in dealing with the incidents, under what will have been difficult and distressing circumstances”.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed it dispatched an emergency ambulance to the scene which transported Fr Murray to hospital.
Anyone with information about the attack is urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference 543 of 10/08/25 for the assault on the priest, or 713 of 10/08/25 for the murder inquiry. Information can also be submitted via the PSNI website or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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