Priest Attacked In Church In Co. Down

Detectives are appealing for information following the report of a priest being seriously assaulted in Downpatrick.

It was reported to police at around 10.10am on Sunday, 10^th 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 head injury, where he remains in a serious condition.

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.”

You can also report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

ENDS