Two convicted murderers escape prison together, sparking nationwide manhunt

25 January 2023 , 09:57

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Police Service of Northern Ireland have issued this CCTV grab of Alison McDonagh, 49, and Stephen McParland, 54, together at Lanyon Place station (Image: PA)

Two convicted murderers have escaped from prison together, sparking a nationwide manhunt.

Alison McDonagh, 49, and Stephen McParland, 54, are said to be in each other's company and were last seen at Lanyon Place Train Station in Belfast on January 21 at 1.45pm.

Yesterday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland put an urgent appeal for the inmates who are "currently unlawfully at large".

The Mirror contacted the PSNI who confirmed they were still missing.

The pair have absconded from the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

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McDonagh was imprisoned for murder following an incident in 2004 and McParland was imprisoned for murder following an incident in 1997.

Stephen McParland, 54, was imprisoned for murder following an incident in 1997 (PA)

Alison McDonagh, 49, was imprisoned for murder following an incident in 2004 (PA)

Police say that if anyone sees one or both of them to not approach them.

McDonagh is described as being around five feet and two inches and of stocky build, with auburn hair and green eyes.

She also has two tattoos of the words "mum" and "dad" on the underside of her right forearm.

She was last seen wearing a sky blue-coloured puffer jacket and light-coloured leggings, carrying a bag and pulling a trolley bag.

Meanwhile, McPartland is described as being around five feet and 10 inches and of medium build with blue eyes and balding, with dirty-fair hair.

He has a tattoo on his left arm, and when last seen was wearing a black hooded coat and grey bottoms, with a large amount of luggage.

Police say that despite efforts to contact both individuals, attempts to locate them have been unsuccessful.

A police spokesperson said: "We would also appeal directly to Alison McDonagh and Stephen McParland to hand themselves in."

They are appealing to anyone who has seen them, or who knows of their whereabouts, not to approach them, but to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1972 of 21/1/23.

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Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous.

Alahna Kindred