An SDLP MLA whose brother has been charged in connection with a fatal assault said he is "heartbroken" after the man died in hospital this weekend.
Stephen Holmes, 31, a dad-of-two from Strabane in Co Tyrone, passed away in hospital yesterday, February 8, as a result of his injuries following a "vicious attack" at his home in the early hours of Monday morning, February 3.
He was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital in Co Derry after sustaining serious injuries, and was later transferred to the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where he sadly passed away.
Read more: Murder probe launched as NI man dies after 'vicious assault' at his home
Read more: Man to appear in court charged with GBH following 'serious assault'
On Thursday, a 31-year-old man appeared in court on numerous charges relating to the assault, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Dylan McCrossan of Beechmount Village appeared via videolink at Strabane Magistrates Court. He is understood to be the brother of SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan.
In a statement issued on social media on Sunday, February 9, Daniel McCrossan said he had visited the Holmes family. He added he has known the family his entire life, and described Stephen's death as "devastating and heartbreaking."
Mr McCrossan said: "The terrible events of this week have been extremely difficult and tragic and the loss of a young life is both devastating and heartbreaking beyond all words.
"Primarily my thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with the Holmes family, Stephen’s Mum and Dad, His Brothers, Sisters and children. I have known the family my entire life. This is a deeply heartbreaking and tragic situation of unimaginable proportions.
"I have called with the Holmes family and expressed my deepest condolences and prayers to them at this very sad and difficult time. What has happened is without words and something you never imagine could happen.
"I am totally heartbroken beyond words and devastated for them and their loss. I condemn acts of violence of any nature and encourage anyone with any information to come forward to the PSNI."
Police announced on February 8 they have now launched a murder investigation following Stephen's death. Detective Inspector Griffin said: “Police received a report at approximately 3.15am on Monday, 3rd February that a man, aged in his 30s, was seriously assaulted in the Beechmount Village area of Strabane.
“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 8th February, as a result of his injuries.
“Charges concerning a 31-year-old man who appeared before Strabane Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 6th February in connection with the investigation, will now be reviewed by officers."
Paying tribute to Stephen, Sinn Féin MLA Maolíosa McHugh expressed his condolences. The West Tyrone MLA said: “It is devastating to hear that a man has passed away after being viciously assaulted at his home in the town in the early hours of Monday morning.
“My heartfelt sympathies go out to this man’s family as they come to terms with such an unimaginable loss. What has happened has shocked the local community.
"It is particularly horrific that this has happened in the new social housing development of Beechmount Village which is primarily home to young families. I would appeal to anyone with information which could assist the investigation to contact the PSNI.”
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