Sex offender, 84, dies in 'brutal and sustained' attack following recent prison release - as murder suspect arrested
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a pensioner was found dead outside his home shortly after being released from prison for sexual offences.
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Sean Small, 84, was found at his home in Slievenabrock Avenue, Newcastle, Northern Ireland, on Sunday night after suffering a “brutal and sustained” attack, police said.
On Tuesday evening, a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Detectives have said they are keeping an open mind in the investigation.
Mr Small had recently been released from prison after serving a sentence for sexual offences – it has emerged.
His house and another property remained sealed off by police carrying out forensic examinations in the Co Down town on Tuesday.
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Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman said the victim had last been seen alive on August 19.
She said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the victim.
“We received a report at around 10.30pm on Sunday August 24 that a man in his 80s 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 August 19.
“We need to speak to anyone who was in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle on August 19 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?”
Ms Foreman said anyone with information can contact police on 101.
She added: “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.
“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.”
The detective would not comment on how Mr Small died or whether there was more than one person involved in the attack. She said a post-mortem examination is ongoing.
Asked if the victim’s criminal past was a potential line of inquiry, she said: “We are pursuing all possible lines of inquiry at this time.”
Ms Foreman said she would not comment on any potential threats against the victim but did confirm there had been an incident of criminal damage at his address a number of weeks ago.
In 2022, Mr Small pleaded guilty to sexual offences against a woman and a teenage girl.