A murder investigation is under way after an 84-year-old man was found dead in Co Down.
He has been named as Sean Small, who was recently released from prison after serving three years for sexual offences.
The incident happened at around 10.30pm on Sunday night in Slievenabrock Avenue in Newcastle.
Police received a report that a man appeared to have been killed in the seaside town.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a body in the back garden of the house in the quiet residential area at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
The house where the body was found and the property next door remain cordoned off.
Chief Inspector Adam Ruston of Newry Mourne and Down said: "I want to provide reassurance that we are working at pace to investigate the circumstances of this murder."
Mr Ruston said those in the area "will notice more of our officers on the ground and on patrol" as investigations continue.
Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman of the Major Investigation Team urged the public "not to speculate" and to give "officers the time and space to carry out their investigation".
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The PSNI has not disclosed details of the cause of Small's death.
Detectives conducted door to door inquiries and asked local residents if they had doorbell footage that might help their investigation.
"While enquiries are at a very early stage, we need the help of the public to come forward with any information," Ms Foreman said.
"If you have photos or footage of this area or the wider Tullybrannigan and Bryansford Road areas, please share these with police through the Major Incident Public Portal," she added.
The PSNI appealed to anyone with information about what happened to contact detectives.
DUP Assembly member Diane Forsythe said there are "a lot of older people who live in this area, a very, very peaceful part of Newcastle and the Mournes", adding "there’s just a real sense of deep, deep shock".
"It’s a Bank Holiday weekend and Newcastle is a tourist town, so to get this news has really sent shockwaves through the community," she added.
Willie Clarke, a Sinn Féin member for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, echoed her sentiments.
"Devastated, like the entire community," he said.
"Waking up to this horrific news when people were preparing, you know, for a Bank Holiday Monday," Mr Clarke said, adding "a black cloud has descended on the community".
