A sixth man has been arrested by officers investigating the fatal stabbing of father-of-three Eamonn Hughes, police said today.

A vigil will be held later this evening in Dungannon for the murdered man, who was stabbed to death as he walked home from his daughter’s eighteenth birthday party at the weekend.

Hundreds of people are expected to gather at The Green in the town’s Lisnahull estate to pay their respects to the popular 48-year-old who was set upon by a gang during the early hours of Saturday morning.

Local Independent councillor Barry Monteith said the entire

community was still in disbelief over the brutal murder and wanted to come together in solidarity with Mr Hughes’ family.

“The whole rationale for the vigil is that it is very much a chance for everyone to come together and pray,” he explained. “The vigil is being held at the same spot where we held a vigil for Shaun Fitzpatrick who was killed earlier this year.”

It is understood funeral arrangements have yet to be made as the family is still waiting for Mr Hughes’ body to be released. However, Mr Monteith said they hoped it would be either Wednesday or Thursday of this week.

Six people have now been arrested in relation to Mr Hughes’ death and were today still being questioned.

Superintendent Brian Williamson, who is leading the murder investigation, said he was determined to bring those responsible to justice and appealed for information.

“This was a vicious attack and a despicable crime,” he said. “A family this morning is having to deal with the loss of a loved one.

“We are determined to bring all those responsible for this heinous crime before the courts. People should be able to go about their business without fear of violence or attack.”

He appealed for anyone in the area at the time of the murder to come forward. Police are also seeking information about a beige Avensis saloon taxi, registration X463 CDY, which was found burnt out in the Ponderosa (Ballygawley Road) area of Dungannon.