Man charged over Downpatrick murder and attack on priest

A man with a grey moustache looks into the camera. He has a bald head and is wearing small, black headphones and a red top.PSNI handout

Stephen Brannigan was found dead in a house on Sunday

Naomi Clarke
BBC News NI

A 30-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a man and attempted murder of a priest in Downpatrick, County Down, over the weekend.

Police discovered the body of Stephen Brannigan, 56, at a house in Marian Park at about 12:00 BST on Sunday.

Fr John Murray is in hospital after being attacked while preparing to celebrate his last Mass before retirement at St Patrick's Church in the town.

The man is due to appear at Newtownards Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Fr John Murray. He is smiling at the camera. Fr Murray is bald and is wearing glasses. He has a white beard and is wearing white robes. Behind him is a rockface. Pacemaker

Fr John Murray was attacked prior to celebrating his last Mass on Sunday

Local clergy, politicians and members of the public attended a prayer service at St Colmcille's Church on Tuesday for Mr Brannigan and Fr Murray.

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