Man found dead in house and cleric left in serious condition after bottle attack

The church where Fr John Murray (inset) was attacked

The church where Fr John Murray (inset) was attacked

A Co Down community has been left “devastated” after police launched a murder investigation that may be linked to a “brutal” attack on a priest shortly afterwards.

Fr John Murray was seriously assaulted just before he was about to celebrate his final Mass at St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick after being asked to hear a man’s confession.