Murder probe after body find

Area round victim's house is cordoned off during search

Police investigating the murder of a 75-year-old man in County Tyrone are hoping his seriously ill sister can provide them with clues.

The body of Patrick McGrath was found at his house at Killeen Crossroads near Coalisland on Sunday.

Police have not said how Mr McGrath died, but they said that his sister, Philomena, was subjected to "a very violent assault".

She is in a "stable" condition in hospital with serious injuries.

It is believed she raised the alarm after crawling semi-conscious from a hallway to a telephone in the living room.

Forensic experts have spent the day examining the scene of the attack.

Police said on Monday evening that "the remains have been removed from the scene, and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course".

This is an dreadful tragedy which has shocked the community Jim Cavanagh SDLP councillor

Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness, who visited the scene, said the attack was carried out by those who were "disconnected from society".

Neighbour Josie Scullion said everyone respected the elderly couple.

"I find it very hard to accept that he has been taken away in these circumstances," she said.

SDLP councillor Jim Cavanagh, a family friend, described them as popular, gentle and God-fearing people.

"What the neighbours say about Patrick is true. You couldn't find a more decent, helpful and upright man anywhere," he said.

He said if it did turn out to have been a break-in at the house, there would be "added shock in the community that this quiet and dignified house was invaded".

A PSNI spokeswoman said on Sunday: "Police are investigating the possibility that there may have been a burglary at the address."

Police have appealed for anyone who was in the area on Saturday evening and has any information to contact them.