Priest attacked with bottle by man who walked into Downpatrick church before mass

A priest has been left in a "serious condition" after a man who walked into church before mass attacked him with a bottle.

Fr John Murray was horrifically struck on the head at his St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, earlier today. The priest was rushed to hospital for a head injury and is in a "serious condition". Father Murray was hit with the bottle at around 10.10am on Sunday, by a man who entered the church in the small town in County Down.

The priest had been preparing for what would have been one of his last masses in church before retiring.

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Father Murray was reportedly attacked in the church’s sacristy before Mass, according to BelfastLive.

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: "It was reported to police at around 10.10am on Sunday, 10th August that a man had walked into the 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."

Police have launched an investigation into the horror assault as they ask for any witnesses to step forward. Detective Chief Inspector McBurney said: "This was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury.

"Our enquiries are ongoing into this incident, and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the assault, or has any information to contact Police on 101 and quoting reference 543 of 10/08/25." People can also submit a report on the PSNI website or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

In a Facebook post, South Down MP Chris Hazzard said: "I was shocked and saddened to hear the news from Downpatrick this morning that Father Murray was attacked in St Patrick’s Church.

"My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery. This cowardly attack is completely unacceptable and I condemn it unequivocally. I urge anyone with information to contact the police."

In a post on the Downpatrick ‘Family Of Parishes’ Facebook page, the church said: "Parishioners will be aware of an incident in St Patrick’s Church earlier today.

"Fr Murray is currently receiving medical treatment. We thank you for your prayers and well wishes."