27 August 2025 , 14:52
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An 84-year-old man who had been released from prison just weeks ago was found dead outside his home after a ’brutal and sustained attack’.
Sean Small was pronounced dead outside his house in Newcastle in County Down, Northern Ireland, on Sunday night.
A man in his 40s has since been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police confirmed there had been an incident of criminal damage at his home several weeks ago.
Small was last seen alive on August 19, and was recently released from prison after serving a sentence for sexual offences.
In 2022, he pleaded guilty to 10 sexual offences against a ’vulnerable’ woman and a teenage girl.
He was sentenced to three years in prison and a three-year supervision order following his release.
Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman said: ’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.
’I know the local community will be in shock following the news of this crime.
’However, I want to provide reassurance that detectives are working as quickly as possible to understand how and why this has taken place.’
When asked if the murder could be linked to Small’s previous convictions, she added: ’We maintain an open mind as to the motive behind this attack and would ask the public not to speculate.’
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