POLICE WERE yesterday questioning a 21-year-old man about the murder of shop manager Seán Fitzpatrick (32), from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, who was battered around the head and dumped in an alleyway in the town.
He suffered extensive injuries in the attack, which the police officer leading the murder inquiry described as "particularly savage".
Acting Det Chief Insp Gareth Nicholl said: "It is correct to say that people will be frightened by any murder in this sort of manner but we will look at it in its entirety and do out best to bring those responsible to justice."
Mr Fitzpatrick lived in the Lisnahull estate a short distance from where he died.
He was found in an alleyway between terraced house off the Donaghmore Road at around 3.40am on Easter Sunday morning.
Mr Fitzpatrick was attacked on his way home after spending the evening in his local pub, Donaghy's.
Police are examining CCTV footage from the area and were yesterday carrying out door-to -door inquiries and searches in the area around the murder scene.
Local priest Fr Peter McAnenly said the dead man's family were "devastated" by their loss. The victim was one of eight brothers and sisters.
Fr McAnenly said: "It is a tragedy not just for the family but for the parish and the whole community of Dungannon. There is a sense of despair at this time of year. It is an awful atrocity for the family and community and there is a feeling of disbelief".