Man arrested on suspicion of murder of Sean Small

Police discovered Sean Small's body at about 22:30 BST outside a house on Slievenabrock Avenue on Sunday evening

A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Sean Small in Newcastle, County Down.

The body of Mr Small, who was 84, was found outside his home on Slievenabrock Avenue late on Sunday night after what police described as a "brutal and sustained attack".

He was last seen alive in the afternoon of Tuesday 19 August, according to police.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Det Ch Insp Kerrie Foreman said they are seeking "to establish what happened in the intervening days" between 19 August and when Mr Small's body was found.

A police cordon remains around a number of properties where forensic officers are conducting examinations

She appealed for anyone who was in the area in the days surrounding his death, or anyone who witnessed anything suspicious, to contact the police.

A police cordon remains around the house, and at a neighbouring house where forensic officers are conducting examinations.

There is no suggestion that anyone in the neighbouring house is linked to the ongoing police investigation.

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

In 2022, Small pleaded guilty to 10 sexual offences against a woman described as "vulnerable" and a teenage girl.

He was sentenced to three years in prison and three years under supervision in the community.

Many of the local residents who live along Slievenabrock Avenue are elderly

Neighbours have been trying to come to terms with what has happened in their street.

Many of the local residents who live along Slievenabrock Avenue are elderly.

The police have described how the murder of the pensioner has caused "shock and concern" in the area.

Det Ch Insp Kerrie Foreman appealed for anyone with information to get in touch

Det Ch Insp Foreman said a post-mortem examination was ongoing so police could not confirm the cause of death, when Mr Small had died, or whether a weapon had been used.

"I know the local community will be in shock following the news of this crime," she added.

"However, I want to provide reassurance that detectives are working as quickly as possible to understand how and why this has taken place."

When asked if Mr Small's murder could be linked to his previous convictions, she said: "We maintain an open mind as to the motive behind this attack and would ask the public not to speculate."

Det Ch Insp Foreman confirmed that there was an incident of criminal damage at Mr Small's house "a number of weeks ago".

However, she said she could not confirm how many people may have been involved in the murder.

Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to arrest and conviction of those responsible.