Police open murder investigation after man found dead in Newcastle
Detectives have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Newcastle.
Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “We received a report at around 10.30pm on Sunday night, 24th August, that a man had been found dead in the Slievenabrock Avenue area.
“We understand this news will cause shock and concern within this close-knit community of Newcastle. Local people will see our officers in and around the area – with cordons still in place through Monday.
“Our enquiries are at an early stage and I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation, any dashcam or doorbell footage to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1746 24/08/25.”
“P”hotos and footage – including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage – can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at:
http://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U19-PO1
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at:
www.crimestoppers-uk.org which is anonymous.
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McGrath Shocked at Newcastle Death
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has said there is shock in the local area after a man was found dead.
Police have launched a murder investigation.
South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “The news of a man’s death in Newcastle and the subsequent murder investigation is deeply shocking and the local community are stunned to be waking up to this on a bank holiday Monday.
“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.
“It is vital that the police are given every piece of information they need to carry out their investigation. Anyone who can assist should come forward without delay.”
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Truesdale expresses shock after suspected murder in Newcastle
Alliance The Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale was speaking after police launched a murder investigation after a man died in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle, County Down, on Sunday night (24 August).
Cllr Truesdale said: “This is a horrifying and devastating incident, and my immediate thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim during this unthinkably difficult time.
“The local community is shocked by this tragic loss, but I have no doubt they will unite during this incredibly challenging time.
“I encourage anyone who may have any potentially relevant information that may help police in their investigations to get in touch with them, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
UPDATE: On Newcastle Murder Inquiry
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team investigating the murder of a man in Newcastle have confirmed the deceased’s name. He was 84-year-old Sean Small from the town.
A cordon remained in place at the Slievenabrock Avenue address as enquiries were conducted on Monday 25th August, with police patrols stepped up in the area.
Chief Inspector Adam Ruston of Newry Mourne and Down said: “I know that the local community will be in shock today following the news of this older man’s death. Waking up to this news is sure to have caused distress that this has happened in such a close-knit residential area of Newcastle.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman of the Major Investigation Team updated on the investigation: “We received a report at around 10.30pm on Sunday 24th August, 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 enquiries 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 – including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage – can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at:
