A murder investigation has been launched after the death of a man in Downpatrick was linked to a “brutal attack” on a priest after he was approached to hear confession.
The victim has been named locally as Stephen Brannigan, a father-of-two, believed to be in his 50s.
Police say they attended an address in the Marian Park area of the Co Down town at around noon on Sunday “following a report of a deceased man”.
PSNI District Commander, Superintendent Norman Haslett, confirmed that a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in police custody on Sunday evening.
Canon John Murray
Local SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith, who knows the dead man’s family, visited the scene this morning and spoke with relatives.
“They are heartbroken,” he said.
“I am hoping they get the support they need,” he said.
“At this stage we are hoping the police can do whatever they need to do to secure an arrest and conviction.”
Mr Galbraith said the dead man was popular with his neighbours.
“From talking to the neighbours, he would have done anything for any of them,” he said.
“He was just a quiet lad, got up in the morning went to his work and came home again.”
Police say that although “enquiries are at an early stage” they suspect the murder “may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick’s Avenue area of Downpatrick”.
Shortly after 10am police received reports that a man walked into St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick “and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before leaving”.
It has now emerged that Canon John Murray had been approached by a man to hear his confession before he was attacked.
Canon Murray, who is in his mid-70s, was taken to hospital for treatment to a head injury and remains in a serious condition.
Police at St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick on Sunday morning.
PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
A PSNI spokesman described the incident as “a completely shocking and brutal attack”.
Fr Eddie McGee, spokesman for the Diocese of Down and Connor, said Canon Murray was approached “by a gentleman asking him to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation on the way into the church, at which stage Canon John was attacked”.
“He sustained a serious head injury and is currently in hospital receiving treatment,” Fr Magee said.
“His situation remains serious but stable.”
Fr Magee described the attack on Canon Murray as “disturbing”.
“This incident is under police investigation and we encourage anyone who has information to bring it to the attention of the PSNI,” he said.
“It’s very concerning and disturbing that this attack occurred towards a priest who was vulnerable in the course of his ministry and service to the local community.
“Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with Canon John Murray.”
Fr Magee said the cleric was due to retire as parish priest in the coming weeks “and will continue to serve in the local family of parishes”.
“As parish priest of Downpatrick, Canon Murray is very well known and very well liked and parishioners and others from across the community have been in contact today to assure him of their ongoing prayers and support at this time,” he said.
Fr Magee said prayers are being offered for the family of Mr Brannigan.
“The Diocese has received the devastating and shocking news that another man in Downpatrick has been murdered in what appears to be a related incident,” he said.
Fr Magee said “thoughts and prayers” are with the victim’s family “and indeed all affected by this attack resulting in the loss of life”.
Mr Galbraith condemned the attack on the popular cleric and said there was “disgust and disbelief that anybody could do something like this”.
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard said: “What has happened in Downpatrick is 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.”