Murder victim Stephen Brannigan

Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team, investigating the murder of Stephen Brannigan and the serious assault of a priest in Downpatrick on Sunday, August 10, have charged a man to court.

The man, aged 30, has been charged with murdering 56-year-old Stephen Brannigan and attempting to murder Fr John Murray.

He is due to appear before Newtownards Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday, August 13, for a first remand hearing.

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