Priest left with 'serious head injury' after attack
Fr John Murray was attacked prior to Mass on Sunday
- Published
A priest is being treated in hospital for a "serious head injury" after being hit with a bottle in Downpatrick.
Fr John Murray was attacked in St Patrick's Church prior to Mass at about 10:10 BST on Sunday.
Police said a man walked into the church on St Patrick's Avenue and hit the priest on his head before leaving.
Downpatrick Family Of Parishes said: "Fr Murray is currently receiving medical treatment. We thank you for your prayers and well wishes."
Fr Murray was due to celebrate Mass at St Patrick's Church
An elderly parishioner, who was in the church when the incident occurred, said he heard women saying that Fr Murray was injured.
He said the women would not let him into the sacristy, the room in a church where a priest prepares for a service.
"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 said he knows Fr Murray well, described him as a "really brilliant man".
Det Ch Insp McBurney said: "This 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".
SDLP South Down assembly member Colin McGrath condemned the attack.
"This is a disgraceful attack on an elderly priest which has left him in a serious condition in hospital", said Mr McGrath.
"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 taken place.
"My thoughts are with the priest and others impacted by this attack. I hope that he makes a quick recovery and that the person responsible is apprehended."