A priest is being treated in hospital for a “serious head injury” after being hit with a bottle in Downpatrick.
Fr John Murray was attacked in St Patrick’s Church prior to Mass at about 10:10 BST on Sunday.
Police said a man walked into the church on St Patrick’s Avenue and hit the priest on his head before leaving.
Downpatrick Family Of Parishes said: “Fr Murray is currently receiving medical treatment. We thank you for your prayers and well wishes.”
Det Ch Insp McBurney said: “This was a completely shocking and brutal attack and has left the priest with a serious head injury.”
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service sentan emergency ambulance to the incident which took the priest to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Police said the priest remained in a “serious condition”.
