A man’s death may be linked to a “brutal” attack on a priest in a church, police have said.
Officers have begun a murder investigation after receiving a report that a man was found dead in Co Down.
The discovery was made at an address in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick at about 12pm on Sunday.
Police have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of murder and he is in custody.
This comes after a priest was left in a serious condition in hospital following a “brutal attack” in a church in Downpatrick on Sunday morning.
It was reported to police that at about 10.10am, a man walked into St Patrick’s Church and hit Fr John Murray on the head with a bottle.
Superintendent Norman Haslett, district commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, said officers suspect the murder may be linked to the attack on the priest.
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“Inquiries 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,” he said.
Detective Chief Inspector David McBurney said it was a “brutal attack” on the priest and appealed for people with information to come forward.
Sinn Fein MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, said the attack on the priest and the death of the man in Downpatrick were “deeply shocking”.
“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.
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DUP MLA for South Down, Diane Forsythe, condemned the “disgraceful attack on a religious leader in a place of worship”.
Of the two incidents, she said: “There is no place for violent attacks in our society.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the entire community as they process this devastating murder as well as the serious assault earlier today.”
Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray said the incidents had left many in the local community “in shock on what should be a day of peace and rest”.
Anyone with information about the man’s death or the assault on the priest is urged to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
