A man who was killed in Co Down has been described by his family as a "beloved" father and grandfather.
The body of Stephen Brannigan, who was in his 50s, was found in a house in Marian Park in Downpatrick yesterday afternoon.
Police are investigating if his death is linked to an attack on a priest in the town, Canon John Murray.
A 30-year-old man is being questioned on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
In a statement, Mr Brannigan's family said: "In the midst of our shock, pain and total heartbreak at the news of the brutal murder of our beloved dad, grandad, son and brother Stephen yesterday, we want to convey our sincere thanks to all those who have surrounded us with such love and care in the hours that have followed.
"We want to express our particular thanks to those who organised and gathered for the beautiful prayer vigil in St Brigid's Church in the town on Sunday evening.
"It means so much to us at this difficult time and reflects the very special people who make up the Marian Park and wider Downpatrick community."
The family said they wanted to convey their concern for Canon Murray, who remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
The statement added: "Fr John is highly respected by our family and by all in our community.
"It is so typical of his kindness that he was willing to reach out in trust to someone he believed was in distress, despite the obvious risk to himself.
"With so many others, we pray for his full recovery and thank him for his own prayers for us which he has conveyed through the priests of the parish.
"Stephen was known among his neighbours and friends as someone who was always willing to help out, ready to do whatever needed to be done for the good of others.
"Even the day before he died, he was tending the graves of friends and neighbours, as he did, almost every day, the grave of his late wife Dorenda, who died five years ago from cancer.
"Stephen faced many difficult issues in his life. We know his life was not perfect. But for us, he was our dad, our grandad, our son and our brother.
"His rock through all of this was Dorenda. We pray they will be reunited now in perfect peace and love."
The discovery of Mr Brannigan's body came not long after Canon John Murray was assaulted in the sacristy of St Patrick's Church in the town.
Canon Murray had been preparing for 10.30am mass when a man approached him and asked him to hear a confession.
The parish priest was then attacked with a bottle and sustained a serious head injury.
He remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Police are appealing to anyone who was in the Patrick's Avenue area of Downpatrick between 9am and 11am yesterday, or the Marian Park area between midnight and midday yesterday, and saw or heard anything untoward, to contact them.
'Devastation and fear' in community
There is an "absolute sense of devastation and fear" in the local community following the incidents.
Last night, hundreds of parishioners gathered for a vigil in memory of the man who died and to pray for the recovery of Canon Murray.
The church where he was assaulted remained sealed off last night. Masses there were cancelled until further notice.
The priest, who is in his 70s, was due to retire later this week. He had been preparing for his last Sunday mass when he was assaulted.
SDLP Councillor for Downpatrick Conor Galbraith said there is a sense of devastation, sadness and fear in the community following the two incidents.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said: "There's an absolute sense of devastation and fear in regards to the incidents that took place in Downpatrick yesterday.
"Waking up this morning, I am still receiving messages asking what can we do as councillors? It's a really difficult 24 hours."
Mr Galbraith said he knew the family of the man who died very well, and that that the man left behind two daughters and grandchildren.
He added: "It's just really shocking to learn that something like this can happen on your doorstep."
Watch: Parishioners gather for vigil after man dies, priest injured
Speaking about Canon Murray, he said that the priest was very well known and a pillar of the community.
He said: "Yesterday would have been the beginning of the end of his last couple of masses.
"He's very well known, he's a very quiet man, but he's also quite a pillar of the community here in Downpatrick.
"It was lovely to see the community come together (at the vigil) but there was just a sense of sadness.
"People are sort of just confused as to what has happened and why it has happened."
'Shocking series of events' - priest
Father Eddie McGee, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Down and Connor, paid tribute to the family of the man who died, describing the case as a needless loss of life in such brutal circumstances.
He told the same programme: "My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, two daughters, and extended family.
"This is an absolutely shocking series of events that has taken place in what is a really historic and beautiful town.
"It's very hard to capture how people are experiencing this this morning."
Fr McGee said Canon Murray is highly respected and well liked.
"People are praying for his safety and recovery. He has received quite serious head injuries but he is stable," he added.
Additional reporting Conor Macauley
