PSNI liaising with gardai in bid to catch on-the-run killer Gary Anderson

The PSNI is liaising with gardaí as part of its efforts to capture on-the-run murderer Gary Anderson.

Anderson absconded on Monday after being granted temporary release from Maghaberry Prison to attend his father’s funeral.

He has not been seen since.

The public have been advised not to approach him.

The 29-year-old was sentenced in 2023 to 15 years for the murder of Karol Kelly in Londonderry.

Father-of-five Mr Kelly died in Grafton Street in the city in the early hours of March 4 2018 after an altercation during which he was stabbed several times.

Anderson and his brother Sean Anderson were found guilty of the killing.

Both prisoners had applications for temporary compassionate leave to attend their father’s funeral turned down by the prison authorities.

Those decisions were challenged in the courts and while the decision to refuse leave to Sean Anderson was upheld, the court ordered that Gary Anderson could be temporarily released with conditions attached.

Police have made a fresh appeal for information about Anderson’s whereabouts.

He was last seen on Monday morning in the Eastway area of Creggan in Derry at approximately 11am.

Police said they have since “conducted extensive inquiries to locate” the convicted murderer.

It said these inquiries include searches, CCTV checks and “extensive patrolling” as well as liaising with An Garda Síochána, amid concerns that Anderson may have travelled across the border.

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

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

The officer made a direct appeal to Anderson to hand himself in.

He added: “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.”

“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.”

The Justice Committee has written to the Justice Minister and the Prison Service seeking “urgent answers” about the release of Anderson.

Justice Minister Naomi Long told the Northern Ireland Assembly earlier in the week that the decision to release Anderson was taken by the court and not the prison authorities.