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Is Gary Finlay dead or being helped?



DETECTIVES said today a man wanted for the horrific murder of a Wirral man may have harmed himself.

Gary Finlay has not been seen since father-of-two Graham McKenna was stabbed to death in front of his teenage son as they made their way to watch Everton play.

None of Finlay’s credit or cash cards has been used, his mobile phone has remained dormant and he has not contacted any of his family.

The 46-year-old suspect was seen on Bidston Hill near the murder scene in Speedwell Road, Claughton, shortly after the stabbing, but police have not had a positive sighting after that.

Police are now looking at one of two options – either Finlay, from Wirral, has harmed himself or he is being helped by someone to avoid the authorities.

Today detectives released pictures of clothing matching Finlay’s on Saturday January 10, when Mr McKenna was murdered and his son, Michael, 14, was stabbed nine times.

They include a black/dark blue Berghaus rain jacket and black Rockport boots.

Det Insp Andy O’Connor, leading the investigation, said: “We know this is what Finlay was wearing on the day Mr McKenna was killed.

“Someone out there must know what has happened to him and where he is, and I would urge those people to come forward and tell us whatever they know.

“No matter how small and insignificant it may seem to them, we will fully investigate every lead that comes into us.

“From the start of this inquiry we have followed two major lines of inquiry – whether Finlay has harmed himself, and if he hasn’t, where is he now?

“If someone is helping him, in view of what has happened, they should contact us because we need to speak to him now.”

Mr McKenna was a former soldier who left the armed forces in 2005 to spend more time with his family – wife Gill, 40, daughter Amy, 19 and Michael.

He and Michael were on their way to catch the Soccer Bus to Goodison Park from Upton Road, Claughton, when they were ambushed.

Michael survived the attack and is now recovering at home.

Police searched fields and opened up the old air raid shelters under Bidston Hill looking for Finlay.

He is 5ft 8in, medium build, and has a limp. Police incident room: 0151 777 2263.

THE LIVERPOOL ECHO

Widow's appeal over stab murder


The widow of a man stabbed to death in front of his son has appealed for help in the hunt for his killer.

Graham McKenna, 45, was on his way to watch a football match with 14-year-old Michael when they were both attacked on Upton Road in Claughton, Wirral.

Police are hunting Gary Finlay, 46, over the attack, but are investigating the possibility he may now be dead.

In a tearful appeal Mr McKenna's wife, Gillian, said the death had left a huge hole in all of the family's lives.

Their son Michael, 14, is still recovering from stab wounds he received in the attack.

Mrs McKenna, supported by Michael and the couple's daughter Amy, 19, said: "If anyone has any information regarding the murder of my husband, Graham, and the attack on my son, Michael, they should come forward.

"Graham was a wonderful husband and father and his loss has left a huge hole in our lives.

"Graham was my life, Graham was my soulmate and and I'll never ever stop loving him, he will always be with us."

Mr McKenna and his son were walking towards a bus stop on Upton Road when they were attacked on 10 January. The pair had been on their way to Goodison Park to watch Everton FC.

Both were found with stab wounds to the abdomen on nearby Speedwell Road.

One sighting

Mrs McKenna added: "I still cannot believe how your loved one can walk out of the front door one Saturday, never to come home again.

"How can this person have done this to us?"

Detectives revealed they were looking at the possibility that Mr Finlay, an estranged family member, may now be dead.

Since Mr McKenna's death, police have had one reported sighting of the suspect, as well as other information following an appeal on BBC's Crimewatch programme last month.

He was last seen wearing a black Berghaus jacket and black Rockport boots.

THE BBC

hellicopter flying over biddy hill any one no whats goin on

Wirral's Buzz 97.1 - Claughton Murder Video Report
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Recognise this person? Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111



Detectives investigationg the murder are keen to trace Mr Finlay, who has links to the Prenton area but also to the South West of England.
Gary Finlay is considered dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public. Anyone who has information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 2263 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

--->Crimestoppers<---

Below are the photos released by detectives of a coat and shoes that are believed to be similar to the items worn by Gary Finlay on the day of the incident.






Merseyside Police are today re-appealing for the public’s help today in tracing a man, who we urgently need to speak to in relation to a murder.

Merseyside Police still want to speak to Gary Finlay in connection with the investigation into the death of Graham McKenna who died on Saturday, 10 January in Speedwell Road, Claughton.

Mr McKenna, 45 years, and his son were on their way to catch the Goodison match bus on Upton Road. When Mr McKenna was first attacked in Foxglove Road and again in Speedwell Road. Following this Mr McKenna's 14 year old son was attacked in Foxglove Road. Both were taken to hospital, where Graham McKenna later died but doctors were able to save the life of Michael.

The offender then got into a Honda car and drove towards Bidston Hill, where the car was later recovered.

Recognise this person? Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111



Members of the public are advised not to approach Mr Finlay, as he is considered to be dangerous, but if anyone does see him they should report the sighting to their nearest police station.

They can also contact officers at the dedicated incident room on 0151 777 2263.

gary finley has been caught about time