Investigation initiated following discovery of deceased man in a house in Co Down, with the PSNI apprehending a 30-year-old individual. Suspicions arise from potential connection to a priest assault involving bottles.
In the tranquil town of Downpatrick, County Down, a sense of shock has gripped the local community following a series of disturbing events. On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard expressed his deep concern over a brutal attack on Father John Murray, the parish priest at St Patrick’s Church, and the subsequent murder of a local resident, Stephen Brannigan.
The attack on Father Murray occurred around 10:10 am at St Patrick’s Church, when a man entered the church and struck the priest over the head with a bottle. The priest, who was asked to hear Confession by the attacker, was left in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
Approximately two hours later, at around 12 pm, police discovered the body of Stephen Brannigan, aged 56, at a house in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick. The police suspect a connection between the priest’s attack and the subsequent death, launching a murder investigation led by Major Investigation Team detectives.
A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The suspect, whose background details are currently not available, remains in police custody, assisting with inquiries. The case is undergoing review by the Public Prosecution Service, and proceedings are ongoing.
Detective Chief Inspector David McBurney described the attack on Father Murray as a "completely shocking and brutal attack" and appealed for information from the public. PSNI are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 713 of 10/8/25.
Canon Murray will continue to serve in the local family of parishes. A spokesperson for the diocese expressed concern and distress over the attack on a priest who was vulnerable in the course of his ministry and service to the local community. The church confirmed that Canon Murray was due to retire as parish priest in the coming weeks.
The murder probe was launched after a report of a deceased man at approximately 12 pm on Sunday afternoon. The incident took place in the Marian Park area, and enquiries are at an early stage, with it suspected this may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick's Avenue area of Downpatrick on Sunday.
Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray described the day as a "tragic day" for Downpatrick, with locals left reeling. The investigations continue to uncover motive and full circumstances surrounding these tragic events. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.
The local political sphere has been shaken by the recent events in Downpatrick, with Sinn Fein's Chris Hazzard expressing deep concern over the brutal attack on Father John Murray and the subsequent murder of Stephen Brannigan. The crimes fall under the categories of crime-and-justice and general-news, as the PSNI launch a murder investigation and appeal for public information. The priest's attack and the murder are suspected to be linked, adding another layer of mystery to this general news story unfolding in Downpatrick.
