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Downpatrick: Murder inquiry launched after man's death | Downpatrick: Murder inquiry launched after man's death |
(32 minutes later) | |
Officers went to a house in Marian Park at about 12:00 BST | Officers went to a house in Marian Park at about 12:00 BST |
A murder inquiry has been launched after the death of a man in Downpatrick. | A murder inquiry has been launched after the death of a man in Downpatrick. |
Police went to a house in Marian Park at about 12:00 BST on Sunday following a report that a body had been found. | Police went to a house in Marian Park at about 12:00 BST on Sunday following a report that a body had been found. |
A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. | A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. |
Police suspect the case might be connected to a serious assault on a priest in St Patrick's Church in the County Down town. | Police suspect the case might be connected to a serious assault on a priest in St Patrick's Church in the County Down town. |
Supt Norman Haslett said: "Enquiries are at an early stage and, at this time, we suspect this may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick's Avenue area of Downpatrick on Sunday." | Supt Norman Haslett said: "Enquiries are at an early stage and, at this time, we suspect this may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick's Avenue area of Downpatrick on Sunday." |
Previously, police said a man walked into the church on St Patrick's Avenue at about 10:10 and hit the priest, Fr John Murray, on the head with a bottle before leaving. | Previously, police said a man walked into the church on St Patrick's Avenue at about 10:10 and hit the priest, Fr John Murray, on the head with a bottle before leaving. |
Det Ch Insp McBurney said it "was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury". | Det Ch Insp McBurney said it "was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury". |
The priest was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where police said he remained in a "serious condition". | The priest was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where police said he remained in a "serious condition". |
'Two daughters left behind' | |
Speaking about the death in Marian Park, SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith said a family were now in mourning. | |
"It is really sad that this has resulted in two daughters left behind, grandchildren left behind," he added. | |
"And for what, we just don't know why." | |
Sinn Féin MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, said: The death of a man, along with the vicious attack on Fr Murray, has deeply saddened and horrified the local community. | |
"My thoughts are with all those affected by these tragic events, parishioners who were on their way to Mass this morning, and the emergency services who attended the scenes. | "My thoughts are with all those affected by these tragic events, parishioners who were on their way to Mass this morning, and the emergency services who attended the scenes. |
"I would encourage anyone with information to contact police to assist them with their investigations." | "I would encourage anyone with information to contact police to assist them with their investigations." |