Priest in serious condition after 'shocking and brutal attack' in church

Police in the North are appealing for information after a priest was seriously assaulted in Downpatrick.

It was reported to officers at about 10.10am on Sunday 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.

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".