A priest is in serious condition after being struck on the head with a bottle during an attack inside St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, on Sunday morning.

Fr John Murray, who was due to retire this week, sustained a severe head injury in the assault, which occurred shortly before he was to celebrate Mass. Police said the incident may be connected to the death of a man in the town.

The suspect fled the scene after the attack. Fr Murray was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where he remains under treatment.

Mass at St Patrick’s Church has been suspended until further notice, and the parish office will remain closed to the public on Monday.