Pensioner remembered as ‘quiet gentleman’ as murder probe launched: ‘The estate will be so different’

The elderly man who died after being assaulted in Dungannon has been remembered as “a quiet gentleman” and “a beautiful soul”.

The PSNI confirmed yesterday it had launched a murder investigation following the incident at Corrainey Park in the Lisnahull estate.

One neighbour, who didn’t wish to be named, said the victim, a Polish man in his 70s, was “so so kind and always full of smiles and joy”.

She added: “He never forgot to say hello… and welcomed me as soon as I moved in with an extra black bin and everything. The estate will be so different.”

Another local said: “We don’t know much apart from the fact that the wee man is dead. It’s so very, very sad.”

Residents in the estate said it “didn’t feel safe”, with one woman adding: “The town needs to come together now more than ever.”

Another said it had been “such a shock” and that people “can’t think straight”.

“A beautiful soul was snatched away last night,” one social media post said.

PSNI Superintendent Peter Stevenson said the victim, who had lived in the area for more than 20 years, was found seriously injured on the living room floor of the property.

Armed response teams at the scene of a death in Dungannon

He added: “Our thoughts are with this man’s family and friends as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened, and they have our full sympathy.

“Cordons remain in place… and local residents will continue to see an increased visible police presence in the area.

“We want to reassure you that our officers will be doing everything in their power to conduct a thorough investigation into what has happened, and we would urge members of the public not to speculate.

“We understand that Corrainey Park residents and the wider Dungannon community have been left shocked and saddened by what has happened.

“Our officers, who will be in the area, are here to offer support. Please speak with them.”

The murder scene is just off the busy New Well Road.

On Thursday night specialist firearms officers carried out a search at the block of flats.

They ordered a man out of a flat before searching a roof space.

A large area was sealed off yesterday as forensic experts examined the scene.

Independent councillor Barry Monteith said people should be “careful” with their online posts.

He said: “There have been unfolding events since last night, there seems to be a horrible tragedy where a person has lost their life.

“Last night there was a lot of commotion and people were obviously very apprehensive, very scared, and now as the truth starts to come out, people are just shocked.

“You know, how can this happen somebody in their own home?

“Everybody knows each other round here, I was born and raised in this area, everybody knows each other and it’s just now struggling to come to terms with this.

“There was some sort of 999 call around 8pm or shortly after it, and local people said that’s when they saw ambulances and all arriving.

“There’s a lot of things going around online and on social media, and I would just urge people to be careful about what they’re sharing, because there’s a lot of misinformation going round at the minute.”

The Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 8.13pm on Thursday following reports of an incident at Corrainey Park.

“One rapid response paramedic, two emergency crews and an advanced paramedic were sent to the incident,” it said.

“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, no patients were taken to hospital.”

Sinn Fein councillor Deirdre Varsani said: “It is upsetting for people here. This is such a tight-knit area and it does impact on a lot of people and unnerves a lot of people as well.

“Everybody is very concerned, but there has been a very high level of co-operation with the emergency services.

“People are just shocked. Everybody knows someone who lives here.”

The PSNI urged anyone with information to contact it on 101.