A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in Co Down following the death of a man in Downpatrick.
Police received a report that a man was found dead at an address in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick at about 12pm on Sunday.
“A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in police custody assisting with enquiries,” the PSNI said.
The force has begun a murder investigation and said that while enquiries are an at an early stage “we suspect this may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick’s Avenue area of Downpatrick on Sunday”.
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Earlier on Sunday it was reported to police that at about 10.10am, a man walked into St Patrick’s Church and hit Fr John Murray on the head with a bottle.
The priest is in a serious condition in hospital following what the PSNI described as a “brutal attack”.
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has described the events in Downpatrick today as “deeply shocking”.
“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,” the South Down MP said.
“My thoughts are with all those affected by these tragic events including family and friends of the victims, parishioners who were on their way to Mass this morning, and the emergency services who attended the scenes.
“I would encourage anyone with information to contact police to assist them with their investigations.”
The PSNI is appealing to anyone who believes they may have any information which could assist them with the murder investigation to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 713 of August 10th.
Anyone with information on the assault in the church is asked to contact them quoting reference 543 of August 10th.
