The community in Downpatrick is unsettled as police face scrutiny over their response time to a murder case.
In a shocking turn of events in Downpatrick, the local police response times are under intense scrutiny following the murder of Stephen Brannigan. The staggering 45-minute delay in their arrival has sparked serious concerns among residents and officials alike, especially given the violent nature of this tragic case.
The Incident
It was around noon on Sunday when emergency services received an urgent call about Stephen Brannigan’s lifeless body found at Marian Park. A relative discovered him unresponsive and quickly called for help. However, it wasn’t until nearly 45 minutes later that police finally showed up—only one officer in a single patrol car.
This delay has left many questioning just how effective their local law enforcement really is.
Links to a Violent Assault
Brannigan’s death has been tentatively linked to a brutal assault that took place earlier that same day at St.
Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick. Eyewitnesses report a man barging into the church and violently attacking Canon John Murray, a priest in his mid-70s, by striking him on the head with a bottle. This shocking incident followed a seemingly innocent approach when the attacker asked the priest for confession just moments before the assault, leaving the community in disbelief.
As the investigation unfolds, police have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of murder, and he currently remains in custody. While the inquiries are still in their early stages, authorities suspect a connection between Brannigan’s murder and the attack on Canon Murray, hinting at a more complex situation than initially perceived.
Community Reactions and Official Concerns
Local officials are expressing grave concerns over the police’s delayed response. SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith, who is part of the local Policing and Community Safety Partnership, highlighted the distress felt by Brannigan’s family due to this significant delay. “There is concern locally around the delay in the police response to this incident,” Galbraith stated, noting his intention to discuss these issues with the local police commander to gain clarity on what transpired.
As the investigation continues, community members are left grappling with the violent events of that Sunday morning. The Diocese of Down and Connor has confirmed that Canon Murray is currently receiving treatment for his injuries and remains in serious condition. Fr. Eddie McGee, a spokesperson for the diocese, has been providing updates on the priest’s health, emphasizing the community’s unwavering support during this troubling time.
As police work to untangle the details surrounding this violence, the residents of Downpatrick can’t help but feel anxious about their safety and the effectiveness of the local law enforcement response. What can be done to ensure such delays don’t happen in the future? Only time will tell.
