Shaun Fitzpatrick, 32, was found beaten to death just yards from the convenience store he managed.

A police spokesman confirmed a 21-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and was helping with inquiries.

Mr Fitzpatrick's body was found in an entry off the Donaghmore Road by a passer-by who raised the alarm.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Nicholl, who is leading the murder investigation, issued an appeal for information at the scene yesterday afternoon.

"This was a brutal and horrific attack and we utterly condemn the actions of those involved," he said.

Parish curate Fr Peter McAnenly, who administered the last rites to the victim, expressed the feelings of the community following the attack.

He said: "There is a sense of despair at this time of the year. Today should have been a day of joy really and people awoke to this this morning.

"It is an awful atrocity for the family and community and there is a feeling of disbelief."

The priest said Mr Fitzpatrick's family were "devastated".

"It's a tragedy not just for his family but for the parish and the whole community in Dungannon," he added.

Sinn Fein MP for the area Michelle Gildernew said: "I would encourage anyone with any information to bring it forward to the PSNI and ensure that those responsible for this attack are quickly apprehended and brought before the courts."

DUP MLA Lord Morrow said he was "deeply shocked and concerned at the level of viciousness", while SDLP Assembly member Tommy Gallagher said the murder was "clearly an act of extreme savagery".

Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott said the killing had left people in fear.

It is understood footage on CCTV is being examined and that forensics experts carried out tests at the scene.

Police also conducted a search for clues near where the body was found.
Detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the area between 2am and 4am on Sunday morning and noticed any suspicious activity to contact them.