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A priest has been rushed to hospital after he was ‘bottled by a man who walked into church before mass’.
Father John Murray was hit on the head at St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, today.
In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland the priest was in a ‘serious condition’ after what has been described by detectives as a ‘brutal attack’.
Fr Murray was believed to have been preparing for one his last Masses before retiring when the attack took place in the church’s sacristy at 10.10am, according to Belfast Live.
A PSNI spokesperson 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.
‘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.’
Were YOU there? Email: matt.strudwick@mailonline.co.uk
Father John Murray was today attacked at St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick, in Northern Ireland, today and is in a ‘serious condition’
Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard said in a Facebook post that he was left ‘shocked and saddened to hear the news’ about Ft Murray’s attack.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery,’ he wrote.
‘This cowardly attack is completely unacceptable and I condemn it unequivocally. I urge anyone with information to contact the police.’
Cathy Mason, member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, said she was ‘horrified’.
‘The attack on Father Murray in St Patrick’s Church, Downpatrick, this morning is deeply shocking,’ she wrote on her Facebook page.
‘No one should ever face violence, least of all in a place of worship. This was a shameful act and must be condemned outright.
‘My thoughts are with Father Murray and I hope he makes a swift and full recovery.’
A post on the Downpatrick Family of Parishes thanked people for their prayers and well wishes.
‘Parishioners will be aware of an incident in St Patrick’s Church earlier today. Fr Murray is currently receiving medical treatment,’ it read.
Were YOU there? Email: matt.strudwick@mailonline.co.uk
