Shock and sadness have swept through the seaside town of Newcastle, County Down, after the death of a man in his 80s sparked a murder investigation, with police and forensic teams maintaining a visible presence in the tranquil Slievenabrock Avenue area. The man, named locally as Sean Small, was found dead late on Sunday night, August 24, 2025, in what authorities and residents alike have described as an unthinkable tragedy for the tight-knit community.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Major Investigation Team, officers received a report at around 10:30pm on Sunday that a man had been found dead at a property on Slievenabrock Avenue. Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman, who is leading the investigation, addressed the community’s concerns, stating, "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 today."
The murder investigation is still at an early stage, with police cordons remaining on Monday, August 25, across at least two properties in the area. Forensic officers were seen working at the scene throughout the day, their presence a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation. Neighbors described being woken by police at their doors around 3am on Monday morning, as officers canvassed for information and potential witnesses. One resident told the Belfast Telegraph, "We were woken up by police at the door around 3am. They asked the usual questions and then came back this morning, but we've heard very little since."
The sense of disbelief is palpable among locals, many of whom have lived in the area for decades. "This is the quietest street ever, I have lived here all my life and you would hardly see a sinner here," another resident explained to the Belfast Telegraph. "You see this happening in other areas, but you don't expect it to land on your own doorstep." A different neighbor echoed the sentiment when speaking to The Irish News: "It’s absolutely awful, this is the quietest street you would ever be on, you would hardly ever see people walking up and down. There’s a couple of young families and mostly elderly residents would live on this street." She added that neighbors were still in a state of "absolute shock."
Local politicians have been quick to respond, expressing condolences and urging the community to remain calm and support the ongoing police investigation. Sinn Féin councillor Willie Clarke said, "This is heartbreaking for all involved and our thoughts are with the loved ones of the man. This local, tight-knit community are in shock that a murder investigation is now underway. I am confident the community will rally around each other at this difficult time. I would stress that people should let the police carry out their investigations and not to speculate at this time. I would also encourage anyone who may have information to contact police to assist them in their investigation."
Alliance councillor Jill Truesdale also spoke of the community’s grief, telling the Belfast Telegraph, "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."
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath described the incident as "deeply shocking" and said the local community was "stunned to be waking up to this on a bank holiday Monday." He added, "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."
South Down MLA Diane Forsythe called the news "really shocking," emphasizing the unusual nature of such violence in the peaceful Tullybrannigan area of Newcastle. "This is not the news anybody expects to wake up to on a Bank Holiday Monday. It’s absolutely shocking news," she said. "Everybody deals with shock differently. It’s shock, sadness, a little bit of fear as well. It’s just about trying to make sure, as an elected representative and a member of the community, my thoughts and prayers are very much with the community, to be strong and calm in this time and support the police in their investigation to try and bring forward an outcome here."
The murder of Sean Small has also brought attention to a concerning trend: his death marks the ninth murder in Northern Ireland in just eight weeks, according to the Belfast Telegraph. This statistic has heightened the sense of urgency among officials and the public alike, with renewed calls for vigilance and community cooperation.
Detective Chief Inspector Foreman has appealed to anyone with information or relevant footage—be it dashcam, doorbell, CCTV, or mobile phone—to come forward. She urged, "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." The PSNI has set up a Major Incident Public Portal (mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U19-PO1) to facilitate the sharing of digital evidence. For those who wish to remain anonymous, information can also be provided through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
As the investigation continues, police have asked residents and the wider public to avoid speculation and to allow officers to do their work. The streets of Newcastle, usually known for their peaceful atmosphere and strong sense of community, now bear the marks of a tragedy that has left many searching for answers—and determined to support one another through the days ahead.
While the events of August 24 have shaken Newcastle to its core, the community’s resilience and willingness to aid the investigation offer hope that justice for Sean Small and his loved ones will be pursued with resolve and compassion.
