The quiet seaside town of Newcastle, County Down, has been left reeling after the murder of a man in his 80s, named locally as Sean Small, in the usually tranquil Slievenabrock Avenue. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:30pm on Sunday, August 24, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, with local representatives and residents expressing deep sadness, concern, and a determination to support the ongoing police investigation.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers responded to a report late Sunday night that a man’s body had been found in the Slievenabrock Avenue area. By Monday morning, August 25, the PSNI had formally launched a murder investigation. Forensic officers remained at the scene throughout the day, with a cordon stretching across two properties. The presence of police vehicles and officers was an unusual sight for a street described by many as peaceful and rarely troubled by crime.
Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman, leading the investigation from the PSNI Major Investigation Team, addressed the public’s concern, 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. 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.” She also encouraged the community to share any relevant photos or footage through the Major Incident Public Portal, emphasizing the importance of public assistance at this early stage of the investigation.
For residents of Slievenabrock Avenue, the past 24 hours have been surreal. One neighbor, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, recounted, “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.” Another long-time resident expressed disbelief, saying, “This is the quietest street ever, I have lived here all my life and you would hardly see a sinner here. You see this happening in other areas, but you don't expect it to land on your own doorstep.”
The shock and sadness have been echoed by local political representatives from across the spectrum. DUP South Down MLA Diane Forsythe described the news as "devastating" and said it had "sent shockwaves through the community." Forsythe remarked, “It’s absolutely shocking news. It’s a nice, quiet, peaceful part of Newcastle out here in Tullybrannigan. It’s really, really shocking to have heard this today. 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.”
Forsythe also noted a worrying trend, stating that the murder brings the total number of people murdered in Northern Ireland over the last eight weeks to nine. “It is nothing that anybody wants to have in their area or their country. We really need to make sure and support police in their investigations as they work towards finding justice and moving forward with these things,” she said.
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath called the incident "deeply shocking" and urged the community to remain calm and avoid speculation. “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.”
Sinn Féin councillor Willie Clarke expressed his condolences to the family of Sean Small and highlighted the emotional toll on the community. “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 speculate at this time. I would also encourage anyone who may have information to contact police to assist them in their investigation.”
Alliance The Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale also spoke about the impact of the tragedy, describing the death as a "horrifying and devastating incident." Truesdale stated, “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.”
As the investigation continues, police have not yet released any further details about the circumstances of Sean Small’s death, nor have they made any arrests. The PSNI has reiterated its appeal for witnesses, urging anyone with dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward. The community’s willingness to help, paired with the strong statements from local leaders, suggests a collective resolve to find answers and restore a sense of safety to Newcastle.
The murder of Sean Small has left a mark on Slievenabrock Avenue, a street where, as one resident put it, "this kind of thing doesn't normally happen." The outpouring of support for the victim’s family and calls for calm, cooperation, and vigilance reflect the resilience of Newcastle’s residents. As forensic teams continue their work and the police investigation unfolds, the town waits for answers—and hopes for justice for one of its own.
