More details emerge after priest attacked and man murdered in Downpatrick

The incident occurred over the weekend.

The incidents took place in Downpatrick, Co Down, when a man's body was discovered shortly before a priest was assaulted with a bottle.

The priest, Fr John Murray, was attacked in St Patrick's Church before celebrating his last mass before retiring.

The PSNI report that a man walked into the church and hit the priest on the head with a bottle before running away.

This came shortly after police launched a murder inquiry after a man in his 50s, later identified as Stephen Brannigan, was found dead in a house in the town.

A 30-year-old has been arrested over the murder as well as on suspicion of the attempted murder of Fr Murray.

He remains in custody.

During a mass which was held last night, Fr Maurice Henry offered prayers for Fr Murray's recovery and for the memory of Stephen Brannigan.

BBC News report that Fr Martin Graham, who was also involved in putting the mass together, said that Fr Murray is a 'central figure in Downpatrick' who people 'have known for many years'.

He told BBC Radio Ulster: "He was fortunate, he is comfortable in hospital, he is progressing and there is a family grieving, there are two daughters grieving their dad, there's grandchildren grieving their grandad.

"And it's important for us as well to remind the Brannigan family that they have the support of the parish; and for them to make that statement last night, it was just absolutely heartbreaking."

The family of Mr Brannigan paid tribute to the deceased, saying that he was 'always willing to help out' and 'ready to do whatever needed to be done for the good of others'.

The family said: “In the midst of our shock, pain and total heartbreak at the news of the brutal murder of our beloved dad, grandad, son and brother Stephen yesterday, we want to convey our sincere thanks to all those who have surrounded us with such love and care in the hours that have followed.

“We want to express our particular thanks to those who organised and gathered for the beautiful prayer vigil in St Brigid’s Church in the town on Sunday evening and also at his home this evening.

“It means so much to us at this difficult time and reflects the very special people who make up the Marian Park and wider Downpatrick community.”

“Stephen was known among his neighbours and friends as someone who was always willing to help out, ready to do whatever needed to be done for the good of others.

“Even the day before he died, he was tending the graves of friends and neighbours, as he did, almost every day, the grave of his late wife Dorenda, who died five years ago.

“Stephen faced many difficult issues in his life. We know his life was not perfect. But for us, he was our dad, our grandad, our son and our brother.

“His rock through all of this was Dorenda. We pray they will be reunited now in perfect peace and love.”

Police are appealing to anyone who was in the St Patrick's Avenue area of Downpatrick between 09:00 and 11:00 BST on Sunday, or the Marian Park area between 00:00 and 12:00 on Sunday, to come forward.