Man, 84, found dead in Co Down town named as police step up patrols

By Cillian Sherlock and Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

A man who was found dead at a property in Co Down has been named by police as 84-year-old Sean Small.

A murder investigation has been launched after the man was found dead outside a property in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle on Sunday.

Police said patrols have been “stepped up” in the area in an effort to reassure the community after the local man’s death.

Chief Inspector Adam Ruston said the local community will be “in shock” after the incident.

“Waking up to this news is sure to have caused distress that this has happened in such a close-knit residential area of Newcastle,” Mr Ruston said.

“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.”

Police have also urged people not to speculate and allow the investigation to be carried out.

Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “We received a report at around 10.30pm on Sunday August 24 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 inquiries 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 can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal, by phoning the PSNI on 101, or by providing it anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.