Sean Small: First picture of Newcastle murder victim as PSNI step up patrols in area

The 84-year-old was from the town

Police investigating the murder of a man in Newcastle have tonight confirmed the deceased’s name. He was 84-year-old Sean Small from the town.

Police were called to he Slievenabrock Avenue area of the Co Down town at around 10.30pm on Sunday, August 24, following reports that a man had been found dead. A murder investigation was later launched.

In an update on Monday evening, detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team said a cordon remains in place at the Slievenabrock Avenue address as enquiries are conducted with police patrols stepped up in the area.

READ MORE: Newcastle murder victim named as pensioner Sean SmallREAD MORE: What we know so far following murder investigation in Newcastle

Chief Inspector Adam Ruston of Newry, Mourne and Down said: “I know that the local community will be in shock today following the news of this older man’s death. Waking up to this news is sure to have caused distress that this has happened in such a close-knit residential area of Newcastle. “However, I want to provide reassurance that we are working at pace to investigate the circumstances of this murder and we will be relentless in our pursuit of the perpetrators and in securing justice. “Locals and visitors to Newcastle over this bank holiday and later in the week will notice more of our officers on the ground and on patrol as we work on this investigation and to provide the community with the reassurance and support of police presence.” Meanwhile, Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman of the Major Investigation Team updated on the investigation: “We received a report at around 10.30pm on Sunday 24th August, that a man in his 80s had been found dead outside a property in the Slievenabrock Avenue area. Our thoughts are with the family of the victim. “I encourage people not to speculate and allow our officers the time and space to carry out their investigation. While enquiries are at a very early stage, we need the help of the public to come forward with any information.

“If you have photos or footage of this area or the wider Tullybrannigan and Bryansford Road areas, please share these with police through the Major Incident Public Portal.” Photos and footage – including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage – can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U19-PO1.

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org which is anonymous. “No matter how small or insignificant a detail may seem, please contact us by calling 101. Your information could be crucial in helping officers understand exactly what has happened.”

You can also submit information online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

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