Police issue fresh appeal to locate on-the-run killer

Police have issued a renewed appeal for information to locate convicted murderer Gary Anderson, who remains unlawfully at large after failing to return to prison earlier this week.

The 29-year-old, who is one of two brothers jailed for life for the murder of Karol Kelly in Londonderry in 2018, failed to return to Maghaberry prison on Monday.

A court granted Anderson compassionate temporary release (CTR) to attend his father's funeral in Derry, despite opposition from prison authorities.

In a renewed appeal on Friday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said Anderson was last seen on Monday morning in the Eastway area of Creggan in Derry at approximately 11:00 BST.

The prison service had initially refused to grant Anderson compassionate temporary release (CTR) to attend the funeral, but that was overturned by a court on Sunday.

The funeral took place at St Mary's Church in the Creggan area of Derry followed by cremation in Letterkenny, County Donegal, later that afternoon.

Anderson was released from Maghaberry Prison to attend the funeral, but absconded from his court-approved civilian chaperone.

On Wednesday, the Office of the Lady Chief Justice (LCJ) said the court had held the governor's decision not to grant CTR was "not substantiated by the evidence provided to the court".

Anderson's brother Sean, who is serving 17 years for the murder of Karol Kelly, also challenged the decision not to release him from Magilligan Prison to attend the funeral, but that was upheld by the same judge.

Following Gary Anderson absconding from prison, Justice Minister Naomi Long has been asked to meet the family of Karol Kelly.

Police said they have conducted extensive enquiries to locate Gary Anderson and are making a direct appeal for him to hand himself in.

These enquiries, which are ongoing, include searches, CCTV checks and extensive patrolling, as well as liaising with An Garda Síochána (the Irish police service).

"We are grateful for information received following our public appeal on Monday and we want to assure you that we are investigating every report made to us, and we are doing all we can to locate Gary Anderson," Det Insp Gareth Lavery said.

"However, as of this time, Gary Anderson has not been located."

Gary Anderson is described as being approximately 5ft 11in tall, of slim build and with brown hair.

"We reiterate our appeal to anyone who knows where Gary is, or indeed has any information about his movements or whereabouts, not to approach him directly but to contact police as soon as possible," Lavery said.

"We're also keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the Eastway area on Monday around the time Gary Anderson is reported to have been last seen, and who may have relevant footage."