A priest remains in a "serious but stable" condition in hospital after being subjected to a “brutal attack” in his church on Sunday.
Father John Murray was reportedly struck to the head at St Patrick's Church in Downpatrick, County Down.
He was approached by a man who asked if he would hear his confession ahead of the Sunday morning service, and attacked as shocked parishioners arrived for mass. Father Murray had been due to retire later this week.
On Monday morning, the Downpatrick Family of Parishes said: “Canon Murray continues to receive exceptional care.
“He is stable and comfortable.”
Police have said the attack may be linked to the death of a man in Downpatrick.
A 30-year-old man remains in custody being questioned on suspicion of murder after a body was discovered at an address in the Marian Park area at about 12pm on Sunday.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
