Man found beaten to death in North

A MAN was bludgeoned to death after a fall-out at a drinking den, it emerged yesterday.

The body of Andrew Bannon, in his early 50s, was discovered at his flat in the Mullaghmore estate in Omagh, Co Tyrone in the North He had been battered over the head with a blunt object.

Another man needed hospital treatment for head, leg and arm injuries. As detectives launched a murder investigation, it emerged that the killing occurred just over a week after a woman was found dead close to the flat.

Kate McGlone, who was also in her 50s, had gone to Mr Bannon’s home with others for drinking sessions, sources said.

Police do not believe her death was suspicious, but it is understood they are investigating whether it was linked to Mr Bannon’s killing.

Superintendent Michael Skuce, who is heading up the inquiry, said that

the murder victim was already dead when officers arrived at the scene.

“This was a sickening attack, brutal and extremely vicious,” he said.

Police have refused to disclose how many people were involved in the murder.

Mr Bannon and the other injured man were the only people in the flat at the time.

The dead man had moved back to his home town after spending time living in Dublin.

Neighbours and friends, who described him as a quiet man, were shocked by the savage killing.

One said: “He kept himself to himself, but I think when the conclusion is drawn on this it will be down to drink.

“Andrew liked a drink but he never caused any problems.”