Play Brightcove video

A Co Down priest remains in a “serious but stable” condition in hospital after being subjected to a “brutal attack” in his church on Sunday.

Father John Murray was reportedly struck on the head at St Patrick’s Church.

He was approached by a man who asked if he would hear his confession ahead of the Sunday morning service, when the Priest asked him to enter the sacresty with him.

The interaction escalated before the priest was 'brutally attacked', as shocked parishioners arrived for mass.

Police have said the attack may be linked to the death of a man in Downpatrick who had been named locally as Stephen Brannigan.

Father Murray had been due to retire later this week.

Speaking on the attack Bishop Alan McGuckian said, "A priest happily arrived into the scene very

See Full Page