Gary Anderson, 29, was arrested on Wednesday by An Garda Síochána in Buncrana, County Donegal, after being unlawfully at large for over a week.

Anderson failed to return to prison on September 14 while on temporary release to attend his father's funeral in Derry. He was last seen in the Eastway area before crossing the border.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed the arrest took place shortly before 2pm at a property in Buncrana as part of a planned operation. Anderson is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Anderson was sentenced in 2023 to 15 years in prison for the murder of Karol Kelly, who died in Derry in March 2018 after being stabbed several times. His brother Sean Anderson was also jailed for the killing.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said the arrest goes some way toward alleviating anxiety for the Kelly family. She confirmed an independent review into the circumstances of the temporary release is progressing.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said confidence has been damaged in the institutions involved and significant questions remain. Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows called for clear answers about decisions by the Prison Service and Departmental Solicitor's Office.

The PSNI thanked the public for assistance and said work is underway to have Anderson returned to custody in Northern Ireland.