A priest has been left in a “serious condition” after a man attacked him with a bottle in church.
Fr John Murray was struck on the head at his St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, earlier today.
The priest was taken to hospital for a head injury and is in a “serious condition”.
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A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “It was reported to police at around 10.10am on Sunday, 10th August that a man had walked into the church on St Patrick’s Avenue and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before leaving.”
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Fr John Murray was struck on the head at his St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, earlier today
It added: “The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of a head injury, where he remains in a serious condition.”
Detective Chief Inspector McBurney said: “This was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury.
“Our enquiries are ongoing into this incident, and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the assault, or has any information to contact Police on 101 and quoting reference 543 of 10/08/25.”
Downpatrick Family of Parishes Facebook page issued a statement following the incident.
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The priest was taken to hospital
They wrote: “Parishioners will be aware of an incident in St Patrick’s Church earlier today. Fr Murray is currently receiving medical treatment. We thank you for your prayers and well wishes.”
Members of the community and church have flooded the page with messages of support.
One wrote: “Shocking, my father was there. Wishing Fr Murray a speedy recovery.”
Another said: “Praying that he makes a full recovery. Holding Fr. Murray in my prayers and his family, Also all our priests in the parish and our parishioners. God bless Fr Murray”
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Members of the community and church have flooded the page with messages of support
South Down MP Chris Hazzard wrote on social media: “I was shocked and saddened to hear the news from Downpatrick this morning that Father Murray was attacked in St Patrick’s Church.
“My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery. This cowardly attack is completely unacceptable and I condemn it unequivocally. I urge anyone with information to contact the police.”
The victim was reportedly preparing for what would have been one of his last Masses before retiring.
Reports suggest he was attacked in the church’s sacristy before Mass.
More messages from well-wishers said: “I hope he is ok. Such a good kind priest.”
A second said: “It’s such an awful thing to happen to a good holy priest.May God bless him and help him to recover.”
Another added: “This is shocking , I feel so saddened for Fr Murray and our parish , things need to change as we are not safe anywhere any more”
Almost 300 Facebook users have reacted to the post.