Man, 30, charged over Stephen Brannigan murder and priest attack

A 30-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a man and attempted murder of a priest in Downpatrick, County Down, over the weekend.

Police discovered the body of Stephen Brannigan, 56, at a house in Marian Park at about 12:00 BST on Sunday.

Fr John Murray is in hospital after being attacked while preparing to celebrate his last Mass before retirement at St Patrick’s Church in the town.

The man is due to appear at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.