Man quizzed over postmaster murder

A man was being questioned today in connection with the murder of a retired postmaster in Northern Ireland.

The man, who was arrested last night, was being quizzed about the death of Patrick McGrath, whose body was found at his home in Coalisland, Co Tyrone.

Police believe the 75-year-old may have been smothered during a burglary.

Mr McGrath’s sister, Philomena, was also bludgeoned during the suspected break-in that horrified the tight-knit community.

Ms McGrath, who is “stable” in hospital, raised the alarm after crawling through the house.

A post-mortem examination was being carried out today as police confirmed it was being treated as a murder inquiry at this stage.

They were hoping Ms McGrath would provide vital clues to aid their hunt once she was well enough to talk.

Neighbours were stunned by the attack on Sunday at the property on Killeen Crossroads where the brother and sister have lived all their lives.

Family friend Jim Cavanagh, an SDLP councillor, said: “It’s a dreadful atrocity to visit these two people.

“Until whoever was responsible is caught people here will be fearful.”

Mid-Ulster Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness, who visited the scene, said the attack was carried out by people “disconnected from society”.

A police spokesman confirmed earlier that detectives were investigating a possible burglary at the house.