Detectives are now pressing forward with a full scale murder investigation of Sean Small in Newcastle
• Crimestoppers is offering £20,000 reward for someone who may provide information leading to the conviction of a person(s) for the murder of Sean Small.
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland who have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Newcastle, are appealing to the public for information.
Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the victim.
“We received a report at around 10.30pm, on Sunday 24th August, that a man in his 80’s had been found outside a property in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle.
“Sadly, the man was pronounced dead and has been named as 84-year old Sean Small from the town.
“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. In order to do this, we need the public’s help.
“We believe that Sean was last seen alive on the afternoon of Tuesday, 19th August.“
The media questioned DCI Kerrie Foreman that he may have lain dead for five days but she said it was a violent attack and there is an investigation now on-going and he was last seen on the 19th August.
She added: “We need to speak to anyone who was in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle on 19th of August or following days, or who may have witnessed anyone or anything they thought was suspicious or out of the ordinary.
“Has anyone you are close to acted strangely over the last few days or broken from their usual routine?
“I am asking anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant a detail may seem, to please contact us by calling 101.
“If you have photos or footage including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage, of this area or the wider Tullybrannigan and Bryansford Road areas, please share these with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at:
mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U19-PO1
“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 for the murder of Sean Small.
“With Crimestoppers, calls are never recorded, there’s no caller line display or 1471 facility, and computer IP addresses can never be traced.
“You can also submit information online at:
www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
“I know that the local community will be in shock following the news of this terrible crime, however I want to provide reassurance that Detectives are working as quickly as possible to understand how and why this murder has taken place.
“Your information could be crucial in helping officers understand exactly what has happened, and to ensure we can secure justice for the victim’s family.”
UPDATE: 9.20pm Tuesday 26th August 2025.
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team, investigating the murder of 84-year-old Sean Small on Sunday, 24th August have made an arrest.
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: “Our investigation is ongoing and we continue to appeal to anyone with information which would assist with our enquiries to call us on 101, quoting 1746 – 24/08/25.”
Photos and footage – including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage – can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at:
https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U19-PO1
Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at:
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