POLICE HUNT MURDERER GARY ANDERSON WHO ABSCONDED ON RELEASE

Police have launched a search for Gary Anderson, a convicted murderer, after he failed to return to prison following a period of temporary release. Officers said Anderson did not return to custody as required once his release period had ended. His current whereabouts are unknown, and police are treating the search as urgent. Anderson was serving a sentence for murder at the time he was granted the release. Police have appealed to the public for any information that could help locate him.

Temporary or day release allows selected prisoners nearing the end of a sentence, or those assessed as suitable, to leave custody for a fixed period before returning to prison. Such release is generally granted following an assessment by prison authorities, with conditions attached to when the prisoner must return. Anderson's failure to return within the required period means he is now regarded as unlawfully at large. The release scheme is used across the prison system as part of efforts to prepare some prisoners for eventual return to the community. Police have not disclosed how long Anderson had been outside custody before the search began, nor further details of the original murder case.

Anderson remains wanted by police, who say their search for him is continuing. Officers have appealed to anyone who sees him or holds information about his location to make contact. The search is being treated as an active police matter, given Anderson's status as a convicted murderer who has not returned to custody as required. Police have not confirmed when he was released or how long he had been absent before the search was launched.