A man who was left in critical condition following an alleged assault in Co Tyrone on Monday has died.
Stephen Holmes (31) died on Saturday after sustaining “significant injuries” in an assault at a house in Strabane earlier in the week.
He was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital immediately following the incident on Monday morning but was later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital.
“Police received a report at approximately 3.15am on Monday, Febuary 3, that a man, aged in his 30s, was seriously assaulted in the Beechmount Village area of Strabane,” a police spokesperson said.
“The victim has been named as 31-year-old Stephen Holmes from the Strabane area. Mr Holmes, who was in a critical condition in hospital, sadly passed away today, Saturday, February 8, as a result of his injuries.”
Police have launched a murder investigation following his death.
Local councillor Paul Gallagher paid tribute to the late father-of-two, saying he was “the most easy-going, friendliest person you’ll meet”.
He added that Mr Holmes’ family had been by his bedside all week and is “devastated” at his passing.
A 31-year-old man had been charged with a number of offences following the incident, including grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of cocaine and the class C drug Pregabalin.
Dylan McCrossan, of Beechmount Village, appeared before Strabane Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he confirmed that he understood the charges against him and was remanded into custody.
“Charges concerning a 31-year-old man who appeared before Strabane Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 6, in connection with the investigation, will now be reviewed by officers,” a PSNI spokesperson said.