PSNI DETECTIVES were last night questioning a 21-year-old man about what police said was a vicious assault that led to the death of a man from Dungannon, Co Tyrone.
The victim was named locally as Seán Fitzpatrick, in his 30s, from Lisnahull Estate in Dungannon. A single man, he was described by people from the town as a "quiet, inoffensive" man who worked in a convenience store in Dungannon and was well-known and well-liked locally.
Police believe he was attacked as he was walking home from a night out. He had been drinking in a pub in William Street in the town, a couple of hundred metres from where he was confronted by one or more men. His body was found in an entry off the Donaghmore Road in Dungannon about 3.40am yesterday. It is the second time tragedy has struck the Fitzpatrick family. His brother William died in an industrial accident some years ago, according to local sources.
Mr Fitzpatrick comes from a big family of up to eight brothers and sisters.
The area was cordoned off yesterday while forensic experts worked at the scene. CCTV from the area was also being examined by police to determine if it could help in tracing the assailant or assailants. Police said a 21-year-old man was arrested yesterday "on suspicion of murder".
The chief investigating officer, acting Det Chief Insp Gareth Nicholl, appealed for public assistance in finding the killer or killers and ascertaining the full circumstances behind the assault.
Detectives are anxious to speak to anybody in the general vicinity of the killing between 2am and 3.30am yesterday.
"There is someone out there responsible for this attack, it was particularly savage and we want them to have their liberty taken off them," he 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 our best to bring those responsible to justice," added Det Chief Insp Nicholl.
Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew said people were shocked at the "brutal" killing.
"I would extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends and would encourage anyone with any information to bring it forward to the PSNI and ensure that those responsible for this attack are quickly apprehended and brought before the courts," she said.
DUP Assembly member Lord Morrow said the attack was one of "extreme brutality" and he was "deeply shocked and concerned at the level of viciousness displayed".
SDLP MLA Tommy Gallagher urged anyone with information to bring it to the police. "It was clearly an act of extreme savagery and our thoughts must be with the family who are faced with this sad news.
"I hope for their sake that the police can come up with early results and they need and deserve the support of everyone in Dungannon in solving this horrific crime. Anyone who was out and about in the early hours and who might throw any light on what happened should contact the PSNI immediately."
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott said local people were left in fear by the attack.
