A PRIEST has been attacked in Rhyl while trying to protect his church.

Father Charles Ramsay of the St Mary's, Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church on Wellington Road has described himself as "in good spirits" in a parish newsletter following the incident on Tuesday, June 2.

Despite suffering injured ribs after being attacked by two individuals, Fr Ramsay has asked his parishioners to "pray for them".

Fr Ramsay wrote: "I was attacked by two individuals who had also damaged church property.

"The people concerned were caught and have been charged.

"I just wished to assure people that, apart from sustaining a damaged rib or ribs, I am still alive and well, in very good spirits, and living in lockdown.

"Thanks to all of you who have expressed concern. Please pray for those who did this."

A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: "‘We received a report that a priest had been assaulted on June 2nd at St Marys Church in Rhyl.


"Two people were arrested, charged with assault and criminal damage on the Wednesday 3 and released on bail to appear at court.’

In response, the community has rallied around Fr Ramsay, with Rhyl's Bodyrock Dance Academy exceeding it's £200 target on a crowdfunding campaign to help pay for the damage.

Fr Ramsay gave mass for the Academy's co-founder James Agar-Leigh, who was tragically killed in a collision off the A55 Westbound, near Northop on Sunday, December 1.

Campaign founder Racheal Roberts writes on justgiving.com: "Bodyrock Dance Academy Rhyl, along with our local community would like to raise money to give Father Charles to help with the cost of the damage that the two scoundrels did to St Mary's Church.

"Father Charles Ramsay is a lovely man who was brilliant, when we needed him back in December and gave us an amazing mass for an amazing man.

"Times are hard enough without people damaging property Please donate to try and bring a smile to Father Charles' face."

To donate to the campaign, click here.