A murder investigation has been launched by detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland following the death of 84-year-old Sean Small in Newcastle, County Down. A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman said police received a report at around 10.30pm on Sunday, 24 August, that an elderly man had been found outside a property in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle. The man, who has been named as Sean Small, was pronounced dead at the scene. DCI Foreman described the attack as "brutal and sustained" and said that while the investigation is in its early stages, detectives are working quickly to determine the circumstances of the murder. She added that the police believe that Sean Small was last seen alive on the afternoon of Tuesday, 19 August.

DCI Foreman has appealed to anyone who was in the Slievenabrock Avenue area on or after 19 August, or who may have witnessed anything suspicious, to come forward. She also asked people to check if anyone they are close to has acted strangely or broken from their usual routine.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference 1746 – 24/08/25. Photos and footage from CCTV, mobile phones, or dashcams can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal.

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.