Sex offender murdered in 'brutal and sustained' attack after recent release from prison

An elderly man who had recently been released from prison after serving a sentence for sexual offences was found dead outside his home after a "brutal and sustained" attack, police have said.

Detectives launched a murder investigation after Sean Small, 84, was found outside the property in Newcastle in County Down, Northern Ireland, late on Sunday night.

A man in his 40s has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Small's house and another property have been sealed off by police carrying out forensic examinations.

The victim had last been seen alive on 19 August, said Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman, who added that the investigation was ongoing and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

She said police received a report around 1.30pm on Sunday 24 August that a man in his 80s had been found outside a property in Newcastle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

"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," she said.

Ms Foreman said she would not comment on how 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 past was a potential line of inquiry, she said police were maintaining an open mind.

"We are pursuing all possible lines of inquiry at this time," she added.

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Ms Foreman said she would not comment on any potential threats against the victim.

She confirmed there had been an incident of criminal damage at his address several weeks ago.

In 2022, Small pleaded guilty to a number of sexual offences against a woman and a teenage girl.

(c) Sky News 2025: Sex offender murdered in 'brutal and sustained' attack after recent release from prison