Priest attacked in Downpatrick church

A priest in Downpatrick was attacked with a bottle at St Patricks Church before a Mass on Sunday, leaving him with a serious head injury.

Priest left with serious head injury after attack

A priest was attacked with a bottle inside St Patricks Church in Downpatrick on Sunday morning, around 10:10 BST before a scheduled Mass. Police say the attacker walked into the church and struck the priest on the head before leaving. The priest is being treated at hospital with a serious head injury.

Investigators are reviewing security at the church and asking anyone with information to contact police. The Downpatrick Family Of Parishes posted that Fr Murray is receiving medical treatment and thanked the community for prayers.

Violence at a place of worship unsettles a community and tests calm leadership. It raises questions about how churches protect volunteers and clergy without turning worship into a high risk setting. The immediate response will shape how parishioners move forward.

Community resilience grows when leaders emphasize safety without closing doors to the public. If authorities share details, it may prevent speculation and help heal.

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Community safety and healing will guide the next steps.