Catholic priest attacked during mass

A Catholic priest was hospitalised after being attacked with a Christmas ornament during mass in Bangor, Co Down, today.

The intruder, a 38-year-old man who has since been charged with assault, struck Fr Henry McCann on the head with a statue taken from the crib at St Comgall's Church on Brunswick Road.

Churchgoers managed to overpower the man until he was arrested by police. Nurses and doctors who were among the congregation of around 100 treated the injured priest for shock and head injuries before he was taken to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.

A police spokesman said there was nothing sinister of sectarian in the incident.