An 84-year-old convicted sex offender has been killed in what police have described as a “brutal and sustained” attack outside his home.
The body of Sean Small was discovered near his property in Newcastle, County Down, late on Sunday night. Police confirmed he was last seen alive on Tuesday, August 19, before officers received a report at around 1.30pm on Sunday, August 24 that the body of a man in his 80s had been found.
Emergency services attended, but Small was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives have arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.
Police statement
Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman, who is leading the investigation, said:
“This was a brutal and sustained attack and while our investigation is at a very early stage, detectives are working at pace to determine the circumstances around this murder.
Our thoughts are, first and foremost, with the family of the victim.”
She confirmed forensic examinations are being carried out, with two separate properties sealed off as part of the investigation.
DCI Foreman would not be drawn on the exact cause of death, whether more than one person was involved, or if threats had previously been made against Small. However, she did confirm police had responded to an incident of criminal damage at his home several weeks ago.
A post-mortem examination is currently under way.
Criminal past
Police confirmed that Sean Small had recently been released from prison after serving a sentence for sex offences.
In 2022, he pleaded guilty to sexual offences against a woman and a teenage girl.
Asked if Small’s past could be connected to the attack, DCI Foreman said:
“We are pursuing all possible lines of inquiry at this time.”
Appeal for information
Detectives are appealing for anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area between August 19 and August 24 to come forward.
Read more from Newcastle upon Tyne.
