Funeral of Paul McCauley today

The father-of-one passed away during the early hours of Saturday morning, after remaining in a vegetative state for the past nine years after being viciously beaten.

Since being left permanently brain damaged in the attack, the Prehen man had required 24-hour care from medical staff, care assistants and his devoted family.

His funeral, at 2pm, will take place not far from where that vicious assault took place.

Politicians and the PSNI have renewed calls for information regarding the identities of members of the gang who unleashed the horrific and unprovoked attack.

The Senior Investigating Officer on the case, DCI Michael Harvey has said the PSNI are fully committed to bringing those who took part in the assault to justice.

He said: “In memory of Paul, for the McCauley family and in the interests of justice, police stand ready to explore any opportunities provided either by a change in circumstances or a qualm of conscience.

“The investigation remains open and detectives are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”