Community in 'shock' after man murdered in Newcastle

An old photograph of a balding man wearing a white shirt and grey tie looks at the cameraPacemaker Press

The PSNI confirmed the identity of the victim as 84-year-old Sean Small from Newcastle

Police have launched a murder investigation after a man died in Newcastle in County Down.

The PSNI have identified the deceased as 84-year-old Sean Small from the town.

He was recently released from prison after serving a sentence for sexual offences.

Police discovered his body at about 22:30 BST outside a house on Slievenabrock Avenue on Sunday evening.

Officers will continue to be in and around the area and cordons remain in place, police said.

PSNI Det Ch Insp Kerrie Foreman said the news would cause "shock and concern" in the close-knit community of Newcastle.

Police said their inquiries are at an early stage and appealed for information.

Neighbours in 'shock'

Bernie Allen, in Newcastle, at the scene

The Slievenabrock area is picturesque and the street remains quiet today- despite a police presence, as detectives continue their investigations.

Cordons remain in place in the area where it happened.

Neighbours told me of their shock at what's happened.

"It's not a busy street," said one neighbour.

"This kind of thing doesn't normally happen. Police knocked on doors this morning close to the scene - to see if anyone knew anything".

Another said it was a "very quiet avenue".

"It hasn't frightened me but it has upset me that this incident has happened," she added.

Diane Forsythe has shoulder length blonde hair and is wearing makeup, a gold necklace and a brown zip-up top. She is standing in front of a house with a yellow, blue and grey police jeep behind her.

DUP Diane Forsythe said the news is "absolutely shocking"

DUP South Down MLA Diane Forsythe said the news has "sent shockwaves through the community".

"It's devastating news to wake up to on bank holiday Monday in a quiet part of Newcastle here," she said.

"I think the whole community is just really, really shocked.

"I would just urge anyone with information to cooperate with the police."

'Avoid speculation'

SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath said news of the murder is "deeply shocking".

"The local community is stunned to be waking up to this on a bank holiday Monday," he added.

"For such a violent death to occur in Newcastle will understandably cause concern and I would ask people to avoid speculation and to remain calm."

Sinn Féin councillor, Willie Clarke said it was "heartbreaking for all involved and our thoughts are with the loved ones of the man".

"This local, tight-knit community are in shock that a murder investigation is now underway."

Related topics