A forensic team is conducting examinations around a house next door to the scene of a murder in Newcastle, County Down.

The body of Sean Small, who was 84, was found outside his home on Slievenabrock Avenue late on Sunday night.

Police have said Mr Small was last seen alive in the afternoon of Tuesday 19 August.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Det Ch Insp Kerrie Foreman said they are seeking “to establish what happened in the intervening days” between 19 August and when Mr Small’s body was found.

She appealed for anyone who was in the area in the days surrounding his death, or anyone who witnessed anything suspicious, to contact the police.

A police cordon remains around the house, and at the neighbouring house where forensic officers are conducting examinations.

There is no suggestion that anyone in the neighbouring house is linked to the ongoing police investigation.

Mr Small was recently released from prison after serving a sentence for sexual offences.

In 2022, Small pleaded guilty to 10 sexual offences against a woman described as “vulnerable” and a teenage girl.

He was sentenced to three years in prison and three years under supervision in the community.

Neighbours have been trying to come to terms with what has happened in their street.

Many of the local residents who live along Slievenabrock Avenue are elderly.

The police have described how the murder of the pensioner has caused “shock and concern” in the area.

Det Ch Insp Foreman said it was a “brutal and sustained attack”.

“I know the local community will be in shock following the news of this crime,” she added.

“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 Mr Small’s murder could be linked to his previous convictions, she said: “We maintain an open mind as to the motive of this attack and would ask the public not to speculate.”

She confirmed that there was an incident of criminal damage at the house “a number of weeks ago”.

Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder.