Detectives have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a man in Downpatrick. Police are also investigating a serious assault on a priest in the same town, with officers believing the two incidents may be connected.

Newry, Mourne and Down, District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett said police attended an address in the Marian Park area at approximately 12pm on Sunday, 10 August, following a report of a deceased man. A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody assisting with enquiries.

The murder investigation is suspected to be linked to a serious assault on a priest which was reported to police at around 10.10am on Sunday.

Detectives said a man walked into a church on St Patrick's Avenue and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before leaving. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of a head injury, where he remains in a serious condition.

Detective Chief Inspector McBurney described it as a "completely shocking and brutal attack."

Superintendent Haslett added: "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."

Police are appealing for anyone with information on either incident to contact them on 101. The reference number for the murder inquiry is 713 of 10/8/25, and for the assault is 543 of 10/08/25. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.

Describing the incidents as "deeply shocking" Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard 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.

"I would encourage anyone with information to contact police to assist them with their investigations."

Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray said that the "heartbreaking events" had left many in shock and said his "thoughts and sympathies are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the two victims".

Speaking last night, SDLP Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith said: "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.

"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."