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Police at the scene of murder in Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle
Police have launched a murder probe after a man was found dead in Co Down.
Officers responded to reports of a body being found in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle on Sunday night.
The call was made at around 10.30pm.
A cordon is currently in place around two properties as forensic officers continue to gather clues at the scene.
A neighbour told the Belfast Telegraph they became aware of the incident in the early hours of this morning.
“We were woken up by police at the door around 3am,” they said.
“They asked the usual questions and then came back this morning but we’ve heard very little since.”
Police at the scene of a murder in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle on August 25th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
Another resident said the death has come as a shock to what is usually a tranquil area of the town.
“This is the quietest street ever, I have lived here all my life and you would hardly see a sinner here,” they said.
“You see this happening in other areas, but you don’t expect it to land on your own doorstep.”
PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “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.
“Photos and footage – including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage – can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U19-PO1”.
Police at the scene of a murder in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle on August 25th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath described the incident as “deeply shocking” and said the local community is “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,” he added.
“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.”