A 30-YEAR-OLD MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead in Co Down.

The man was found dead in the Marian Park area by police at noon.

Police in Northern Ireland said that they suspect that the man’s death “may be connected” to a serious assault in the St Patrick’s Avenue area of Downpatrick earlier today.

This morning, at around 10:10am, a man walked into the church on St Patrick’s Avenue and hit the priest over the head with a glass bottle.

The priest was brought to hospital for treatment of a head injury and remains in serious condition. 

The assault was described by police as “completely shocking and brutal”. 

The arrested man remains in police custody at this time.

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath condemned the attack on the priest, calling it “disgraceful”.

“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.”

SDLP Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith visited the scene at Marian Park.

“This is a very difficult day for people in Downpatrick after these two incidents and I have visited the Marian Park area to show my support to those affected,” he said.

“This is an ongoing situation and I would ask people to give police time and space to carry out their investigations.

“People locally are devastated that this has happened on their doorsteps.”

The Sinn Féin MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, said both incidents are “deeply shocking” and encouraged anyone with any information to contact the police.

“The death of a man, along with the vicious attack on Fr Murray in St Patrick’s Church, has deeply saddened and horrified the local community,” he said.

“My thoughts are with all those affected by these tragic events including family and friends of the victims, parishioners who were on their way to mass this morning, and the emergency services who attended the scenes.”