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Downpatrick: Priest left with 'serious head injury' after attack Downpatrick: Priest left with 'serious head injury' after attack
(about 2 hours later)
The priest was attacked in St Patrick's Church prior to a Mass service on Sunday. Fr John Murray was attacked prior to Mass on Sunday
A priest is being treated in hospital for a "serious head injury" after being hit with a bottle in Downpatrick.A priest is being treated in hospital for a "serious head injury" after being hit with a bottle in Downpatrick.
He was attacked in St Patrick's Church prior to a Mass service at about 10:10 BST on Sunday. Fr John Murray was attacked in St Patrick's Church prior to Mass at about 10:10 BST on Sunday.
Police said that a man walked into the church on St Patrick's Avenue and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before leaving. Police said a man walked into the church on St Patrick's Avenue and hit the priest on his head before leaving.
In a statement on social media, Downpatrick Family Of Parishes said: "Fr Murray is currently receiving medical treatment. We thank you for your prayers and well wishes." Downpatrick Family Of Parishes said: "Fr Murray is currently receiving medical treatment. We thank you for your prayers and well wishes."
Police said that a man walked into the church and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before leaving. Fr Murray was due to celebrate Mass at St Patrick's Church
Det Ch Insp McBurney said: "This was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury."Det Ch Insp McBurney said: "This was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury."
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) despatched an emergency ambulance to the incident which took the priest to the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Belfast. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service sent an emergency ambulance to the incident which took the priest to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Police said the priest remains in a "serious condition". Police said the priest remained in a "serious condition".
SDLP South Down assembly member Colin McGrath condemned the attack.
"This is a disgraceful attack on an elderly priest which has left him in a serious condition in hospital", said Mr McGrath.
"For this to happen in the church is particularly disgusting and I have spoken to many members of the community who are shocked and upset that this has taken place.
"My thoughts are with the priest and others impacted by this attack. I hope that he makes a quick recovery and that the person responsible is apprehended."