Police say Sean Small was last seen alive on August 19
A Man Who Was Found Dead Outside His Home In Co Down Was The Victim Of A “Brutal And Sustained” Attack, Police Have Said.
A murder investigation was launched on Monday morning after the death of a man in Co Down in which police have described as a “brutal and sustained attack”.
The body of 84-year-old Sean Small was found outside a property in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle on Sunday night, August 24.
Mr Small had recently been released from prison after serving a sentence for sexual offences. In 2022 he pleaded guilty to a number of sexual offences against a woman and a teenage girl.
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A media facility was held for press by the PSNI on Tuesday. Here is what we know so far:
When were police called to the scene?
The PSNI received a report at around 10.30pm on Sunday, August 24 that a man in his 80’s had been found.
Where was Mr Small’s body found?
Mr Small’s body was found outside the property on Slievenabrock Avenue in Newcastle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
When was Mr Small last seen alive?
The PSNI say they believe that Sean was last seen alive on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 19.
A statement from Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman added: “We need to speak to anyone who was in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle on 19th of August or following days, or who may have witnessed anyone or anything they thought was suspicious or out of the ordinary.
“Has anyone you are close to acted strangely over the last few days or broken from their usual routine?
“I am asking anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant a detail may seem, to please contact us by calling 101.”
Have any arrests been made in relation to the murder?
No arrests have been made to date.
What else have police said?
At the press conference on Tuesday, Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman would not comment on how Mr Small died or how many people may have been involved in the attack.
Ms Foreman said a post-mortem examination is ongoing.
She was also asked if the Sean Small’s criminal past was a potential line of inquiry, and said police were ‘maintaining an open mind’. Ms Foreman added: “We are pursuing all possible lines of inquiry at this time.”
Prior incident of criminal damage
Ms Foreman confirmed there had been an incident of criminal damage at Mr Small’s address a number of weeks ago.
Appeal for information
Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman said: “If you have photos or footage including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage, of this area or the wider Tullybrannigan and Bryansford Road areas, please share these with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U19-PO1
“The charity, Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given directly to them that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Sean Small.
“With Crimestoppers, calls are never recorded, there’s no caller line display or 1471 facility, and computer IP addresses can never be traced.
“You can also submit information online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
“I know that the local community will be in shock following the news of this terrible crime, however I want to provide reassurance that Detectives are working as quickly as possible to understand how and why this murder has taken place.
“Your information could be crucial in helping officers understand exactly what has happened, and to ensure we can secure justice for the victim’s family.”
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