LAST UPDATE | 12 Aug

A 30-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with murder and attempted murder following the death of Stephen Brannigan and the serious assault of Father John Murray in Downpatrick on Sunday.

Father John Murray was struck on the head in a brutal attack at St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick on Sunday.

He was approached by a man who asked if he would hear his confession ahead of the morning service, and then attacked as shocked parishioners arrived for mass.

Father Murray had been due to retire later this week.

Police linked the attack to the death of a man in Downpatrick who has been named as 56-year-old Stephen Brannigan.

Image of Stephen Brannigan. PSNI PSNI

Mr Brannigan was found dead at an address in Marian Park at about 12pm on Sunday.

Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Brannigan’s family and loved ones at this extremely distressing time.”

She added: “A murder investigation is under way, and I would reiterate our appeal for anyone with information to please come forward and speak to our detectives on 101.”

A mass was held for Father Murray and Mr Brannigan’s family at St Colmcille’s Church in Downpatrick on Tuesday.

Bishop McGuckian said the whole community has been “shaken and upset deeply” by the recent events.

He said he hoped to meet with the Brannigan family in the coming days.

Bishop McGuckian also said that Fr Murray is “increasingly comfortable” and will do well in his recovery in hospital.

Detectives issued an appeal for information about the two incidents.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson said: “On Sunday morning, August 10, at approximately 10.10am, police received a report that a priest had been seriously assaulted.

“This was in a church in the St Patrick’s Avenue area of the town.

“A man entered the church and brutally attacked the priest with a bottle.

“The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a head injury. Here, he remains in a serious, but stable, condition.”

The detective said that while attending the serious assault, police received a report of the man’s death at an address in the Marian Park area of the town.