Murder Inquiry Launched After Man’s Death, Priest Assault in Downpatrick

Police in Downpatrick have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man found at a residence in the Marian Park area. A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody as inquiries continue. Authorities suspect the death may be linked to a brutal assault earlier that same day on a priest inside St Patrick’s Church, where the priest was struck on the head with a bottle and remains in serious condition in hospital. Superintendent Norman Haslett and other officials have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information, urging the public to contact police or Crimestoppers. The investigation is ongoing, with police requesting any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage from the vicinity. Community members, including local politicians, have condemned the attack on the priest as particularly shocking and disturbing given the setting.