12/08/2025
Further Appeal On Downpatrick Murder And Attempted Murder
Detectives from the PSNI have issued a further appeal for information following a murder and attempted murder in Downpatrick on Sunday.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, from the Major Investigation Team, said police received a report at approximately 10.10am on Sunday that a priest had been seriously assaulted in a church in the St Patrick's Avenue area of the town. The victim, who was brutally attacked with a bottle, remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
While attending this assault, police received a report at around midday of the death of a man, aged in his 50s, at an address in the Marian Park area. A 30-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remains in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Robinson confirmed that one line of enquiry is that the two incidents are connected and appealed for anyone who was in the St Patrick's Avenue area between 9am and 11am on Sunday, or the Marian Park area between 12 midnight and 12 noon on Sunday, to come forward.
Superintendent Norman Haslett, the District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, offered his sympathy to the community and reassured the public that there is no ongoing risk. He confirmed there will be an increased visible police presence in the area over the next few days.
Information can be provided by calling 101, quoting reference 713 of 10/08/25, or anonymously to the independent charity www.crimestoppers-uk.org on 0800 555 111.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, from the Major Investigation Team, said police received a report at approximately 10.10am on Sunday that a priest had been seriously assaulted in a church in the St Patrick's Avenue area of the town. The victim, who was brutally attacked with a bottle, remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
While attending this assault, police received a report at around midday of the death of a man, aged in his 50s, at an address in the Marian Park area. A 30-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remains in custody.
Superintendent Norman Haslett, the District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, offered his sympathy to the community and reassured the public that there is no ongoing risk. He confirmed there will be an increased visible police presence in the area over the next few days.
Information can be provided by calling 101, quoting reference 713 of 10/08/25, or anonymously to the independent charity www.crimestoppers-uk.org on 0800 555 111.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 January 2016
Four Injured In North Belfast Attack
Police have held two men on suspicion of attempted murder following an attack in north Belfast. The incident occurred in the Woodvale Drive area on Sunday morning. The suspects, aged 26 and 32, were arrested after being treated in hospital for their injuries.
Four Injured In North Belfast Attack
Police have held two men on suspicion of attempted murder following an attack in north Belfast. The incident occurred in the Woodvale Drive area on Sunday morning. The suspects, aged 26 and 32, were arrested after being treated in hospital for their injuries.
09 May 2007
Mother of IRA murder victim dies
The mother of an IRA murder victim whose body was never found, suffered a major stroke last week and died in Craigavon Area Hospital. 82-year-old Vera McVeigh campaigned for the return of her son's body after the IRA secretly buried his body in 1975.
Mother of IRA murder victim dies
The mother of an IRA murder victim whose body was never found, suffered a major stroke last week and died in Craigavon Area Hospital. 82-year-old Vera McVeigh campaigned for the return of her son's body after the IRA secretly buried his body in 1975.
01 November 2011
Multiple Witnesses For Waterside Murder Case
Some 15 people have come forward as witnesses to the fatal stabbing of a 56-year-old man in the Waterside area of Londonderry on Sunday morning. Father-of-two Chris McGaughey from Celadine Court in Gobnascale died from stab wounds at Hollymount Park at 1am on Sunday.
Multiple Witnesses For Waterside Murder Case
Some 15 people have come forward as witnesses to the fatal stabbing of a 56-year-old man in the Waterside area of Londonderry on Sunday morning. Father-of-two Chris McGaughey from Celadine Court in Gobnascale died from stab wounds at Hollymount Park at 1am on Sunday.
12 August 2016
Attempted Murder Investigation Launched Following Pipe Bomb Find
Police have launched an attempted murder investigation following the discovery of a pipe bomb in north Belfast on Tuesday, 09 August. The "viable device" was found in the North Queen Street area. Police believe it was most likely thrown at a passing PSNI vehicle the night before.
Attempted Murder Investigation Launched Following Pipe Bomb Find
Police have launched an attempted murder investigation following the discovery of a pipe bomb in north Belfast on Tuesday, 09 August. The "viable device" was found in the North Queen Street area. Police believe it was most likely thrown at a passing PSNI vehicle the night before.
23 May 2014
Man Charged With Attempted Murder Following Crossbow Attack
A man has been charged with attempted murder following a crossbow attack in south Belfast on Wednesday evening. A 29-year-old man was shot with a crossbow while he was in a parked car in the Belgravia Avenue area. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. A woman was also in the car at the time of the attack but was not injured.
Man Charged With Attempted Murder Following Crossbow Attack
A man has been charged with attempted murder following a crossbow attack in south Belfast on Wednesday evening. A 29-year-old man was shot with a crossbow while he was in a parked car in the Belgravia Avenue area. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. A woman was also in the car at the time of the attack but was not injured.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.