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Vigil held for murdered pensioner in Dungannon

Michael Fitzpatrick and Catherine Doyle
BBC News NI
BBC A cross has been placed on grass. Several candles are lit. It's night. Tea candles are in the shape of a heart.BBC
Candles have been left near the block of flats where the victim lived

A vigil has been held in Dungannon, County Tyrone, for a pensioner who was murdered in the town on Thursday night.

The victim, aged in his 70s, was found with serious injuries following an assault at a flat in the Corrainey Park area. He later died.

Police have said no arrests have been made so far.

On Friday night, more than 100 people gathered close to the block of flats where the man lived.

Supt Peter Stevenson addressed the media on Friday afternoon

Supt Peter Stevenson told a news conference the victim "was found seriously injured on the living room floor of the property".

"The man was a resident in the area for more than 20 years," he added.

"Officers are at the scene today and are working to establish the full circumstances that led to this senseless attack."

'He never complained'

A man is looking into the camera. He's wearing a coat. He's standing on a street at night. A car is parked behind him.
Matthew Kozowski, who knew the victim, says "he always had a full packet of sweeties for my children"

On Friday night, friends and neighbours left flowers and candles near the scene of the assault, while prayers were also said.

Matthew Kozowski said he had known the victim for more than 16 years.

He said he was "very sad" and described him as a "gentleman".

"He never complained about nothing, he always told me positive things.

"He always had a full packet of sweeties for my children."

'Always so happy'

A woman is crouching on the ground to lay a candle on a memorial on a street. Candles are lit and flowers are lying on the grass. A ground of people are watching from across the street.
A crowd of people attended a vigil for the pensioner near his home in the County Tyrone town

Shauna Black was at the vigil and knew the victim well. She said she was in shock, but also frightened.

"Tonight there is a lot of mixed community here, Polish, Irish and it's good to see a good turnout, because he was well known in the Dungannon area.

"I used to call early everyday to see how he was getting on.

"He always had a smile on his face, always so happy, he was so bubbly."

She said the victim had been loved by everybody.

"He was very religious. He went to Mass every Sunday and he loved getting out and about and going on his wee outings," she said.

A woman wearing a green/grey coat with the hood up. She is staring into the camera and has fair hair.
Shauna Black said the victim had been loved by everybody

The attack has been condemned by local political representatives.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) remained at the scene overnight on Thursday but the police cordon has since been reduced.

Man dead after assault at flat in Dungannon