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Man charged with murder, attempted murder in Downpatrick

Stephen Brannigan was found dead at a house in Downpatrick on Sunday and Canon John Murray was attacked on the same day
Stephen Brannigan was found dead at a house in Downpatrick on Sunday and Canon John Murray was attacked on the same day

A 30-year-old man has been charged with murder and attempted murder following the death of a man and the serious assault of a priest in Downpatrick.

The body of Stephen Brannigan, who was aged 56, was found in a house in Marian Park in Downpatrick on Sunday afternoon.

On the same day, Canon John Murray was attacked at St Patrick's Church in the Co Down town.

Detectives investigating the murder of Mr Brannigan and the assault on Canon Murray announced that they had charged a man to court.

The man, aged 30, has been charged with murder and attempted murder.

He is due to appear before Newtownards Magistrates' Court.

As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.