POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have said that there have been a number on unconfirmed sightings of Kieran McLaughlin, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Barry McCrory in Derry on Thursday.

McCrory was shot dead in the Shipquay area of the city on Thursday morning and PSNI officers took the unusual step of releasing a photo of McLaughlin, warning the public not to approach him.

An operation in Donegal involving armed gardaí ended in the early hours of this morning, with officers searching a house for signs of the wanted man but no arrests were made.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Harrison has since said that there have been a number of unconfirmed sightings of McLaughlin in the Derry area.

A PSNI spokesperson told TheJournal.ie these sightings have been over the last two days and that police could not say for certain that he was still in Derry.

Harrison said it is “imperative that future sightings of Kieran are reported to police immediately” and reiterated that the public is asked not to approach him, but to contact police.

“I would also emphasise to Kieran to contact police immediately as we are actively seeking to speak with you. It is our wish that this matter is resolved without further incident,” he said.

The man is described as being 5’7″ tall, of medium build, with blue eyes and grey hair.

Read: Armed operation at house in Donegal ends without arrest>

Read: PSNI issue an appeal for a man following Derry shooting>