Police hunt banjo-player in noise-complaint killing

A hunt is underway in NSW for a banjo-playing man wanted over the shooting death of a neighbour who complained about his persistent loud music late at night.

Stephen Holmes, a 41-year-old coalminer and father of four, was killed by a single shotgun blast to the chest on Saturday night at Woonona, north of Wollongong.

He was shot while reportedly trying to persuade his neighbour to turn down loud music.

Police have issued an arrest warrant for Stanley Francis Maguire, 59, who is also known as John Maguire, for the alleged murder.

"Wollongong detectives are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted, by virtue of an arrest warrant, for the alleged murder of a 41-year-old man at Woonona at the weekend," police said in a statement.

Neighbours reportedly complained Maguire often blasted music from his stereo so loudly they could not sleep.

The 59-year-old was also fond of sitting outside his Lassiter Avenue home playing his banjo late at night, according to News Limited.

Maguire is described as being of white/European appearance, 176cm tall, of medium build, with short grey hair and blue eyes.

He is also believed to have a number of tattoos on both forearms.

Maguire, who has been on the run for three days, may be hiding in bushland after his red Nissan Pulsar hatchback was found by police on Sunday near Mount White on a link road between the F3 and Pacific Highway.

Police believe Maguire may still be armed and warned anyone who sees him to be careful, not to approach him and to contact police immediately.

- AAP