The Newshound

Police issue fresh appeal to find murderer Gary Anderson, still on the run five days after absconding from funeral

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Gary Anderson, wanted after failing to return to Maghaberry Prison following temporary release to attend a funeral in the Creggan area of Derry on Monday, is described as approximately 5ft 11in with brown hair.
Gary Anderson, wanted after failing to return to Maghaberry Prison following temporary release to attend a funeral in the Creggan area of Derry on Monday, is described as approximately 5ft 11in with brown hair.

Convicted murderer Gary Anderson, 29, has been missing since Monday after failing to return to Maghaberry Prison following temporary release to attend his father's funeral in the Creggan area of Derry. He was last seen in the Eastway area that afternoon, after a cremation in Letterkenny, County Donegal. The PSNI is working with the Garda and has released a more recent photo, warning the public not to approach him. Detective Inspector Gareth Lavery has made a direct appeal for Anderson to hand himself in.

Anderson is serving 15 years for the stabbing murder of father-of-five Karol Kelly on Grafton Street, Londonderry, in March 2018.

Police are reviewing CCTV and urging anyone in the Eastway area on Monday with relevant footage to come forward.

Anderson is described as approximately 5ft 11in, slim build, with brown hair — the public are warned not to approach him under any circumstances.

MoreBBC News - UKGary Anderson: Police issue fresh appeal to locate on-the-run murdererMetroPolice make urgent appeal as on-the-run killer Gary Anderson remains at largeIrish IndependentPolice liaising with gardaí in bid to catch on-the-run killer Gary AndersonGB NewsGary Anderson: Murderer sentenced to 15 years on the run as police issue urgent appeal
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