24/01/2008

Murder Inquiry Opens As Victim Dies

A 71-year-old pensioner who was assaulted more than two months ago has died in hospital.

The man, Francis Gerard Lyttle, was found by a member of the public in an alleyway at Churchill Park in the Garvaghy Road area of Portadown.

He was taken to nearby Craigavon Area Hospital, but was later transferred by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and then to Lurgan Hospital where he died this week.

Police have launched a murder inquiry and renewed their appeal for witnesses.

In November a 17-year-old man appeared before Lisburn magistrates and was charged with attempted murder.

See: Pensioner Critical After Brutal Assault

(BMcC)




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