SIX men and two women were arrested on Sunday in connection with the brutal attack on a 26-year-old part-time salesman in Geylang early on Saturday.

Mr Seah Boon Lai died from severe injuries, which included a deep gash on the back of his head and gaping neck wounds, after he was set upon by the group at about 6.30am on Saturday at Geylang Lorong 10.

He was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and died at about 7am.

Police said on Monday morning that the six suspects were arrested in various parts of Singapore and will be charged in court on Tuesday for murder.

Mr Seah's stepfather, temple caretaker Koh Boon Hock, 43, said the part-time salesman had been beaten up in the area last Thursday when he and his brother went there to collect $800 owed to him by an acquaintance. But neither was seriously injured.

But Mr Seah returned to Geylang Lorong 10 on Saturday morning and was fatally attacked this time.

Mr Koh said as far as he knew, his stepson was not facing any financial trouble, although 'finances were tight as he had two children and one more on the way'.

Mr Seah's wife of seven years is five months pregnant with their third child.