A retired postmaster may have been smothered to death by a burglar, it emerged last night.
Murder squad detectives are believed to be examining a pillow after Mr Patrick McGrath (75) was found dead at his home in Coalisland, Co Tyrone.
Mr McGrath's sister, Philomena, was also bludgeoned during the suspected break-in.
Although a post-mortem examination will not be carried out on Mr McGrath until tomorrow, police have already launched a murder inquiry.
They are hoping Ms McGrath - who is said to be in a stable condition in hospital -will provide vital clues to aid their hunt once she is well enough to talk.
Neighbours were stunned by the attack on Sunday at the property where the brother and sister have lived all their lives.
Family friend Mr Jim Cavanagh, an SDLP councillor, said: "It's a dreadful atrocity to visit these two people. Until whoever was responsible is caught, people here will be fearful.
"What the neighbours say about Patrick is true. You couldn't find a more decent, helpful and upright man anywhere," he added.
Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness, who visited the scene, said the attack was carried out by people "disconnected from society". A police spokesman confirmed earlier that detectives were investigating a possible burglary at the house. - (PA)