Police launch manhunt for murder suspect who 'may have travelled anywhere in the country'

Police are urgently trying to trace murder suspect John Bellfield, who may have travelled anywhere in the UK.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are looking to arrest Mr Bellfield on suspicion of the murder of Thomas Campbell.

Mr Campbell, 38, was found dead on the morning of July 3 at an address in Mossley, Manchester. Police believe he was fatally assaulted the previous night and died as a result of injuries he sustained.

While Mr Bellfield is from Manchester, police believe he could have travelled anywhere in the UK.

Officers are appealing to the public to help them locate the suspect, however, they have warned people to not approach him.

In a social media appeal, police wrote: “Do not approach Bellfield and if you see him call 999. We are actively seeking his arrest and ask that anyone with information about his whereabouts contacts us immediately.

“He is from the #Openshaw area of the city and is believed to also have links to #Lancashire, but could be anywhere in the country.”

Murder suspect John Bellfield who is wanted on suspicion of the murder of Thomas Campbell.

“Anyone who knows Bellfield, and may be withholding information, is reminded that assisting a suspect can lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years.”

Officers are also looking for information on two high-value Rolex watches owned by Mr Campbell, which have been missing since July 3.

So far, police have arrested eleven people and charged three individuals in connection with the murder, which they believe was a “targeted and deliberate” incident.

Coleen Campbell, 38, Stephen Cleworth, 37, and Reece Steven, 29, recently appeared at Manchester Crown Court via videolink for a preliminary hearing, charged with conspiracy to murder.

The family of Mr Campbell are currently being supported by specialist officers.

The Senior Investigating Officer for the investigation, Detective Inspector Mark Davis, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “We have been working tirelessly ever since Saturday 3rd July 2022 to find those we suspect are responsible and we are now able to publicly say we think that Bellfield is one of those.

“Since Thomas’ murder, we have followed a number of lines of enquiry and through extensive inquiries we can now appeal for information about Bellfield’s whereabouts.

“We know he has links to Greater Manchester and Lancashire, but he may have travelled further afield across the UK and possibly overseas."

He added: “Eleven people have been arrested so far and three people have previously been charged in connection with Thomas’ death. The team continues to investigate this serious and complex investigation and are following many lines of enquiry to identify those responsible in playing a part in his death."

In a tribute to Mr Campbell, his family said: “Tom was a loving son, brother, uncle and devoted father who was always smiling. He would go out of his way to help his family and friends without a second thought. We would ask anyone with information to come forward and help secure justice as his children miss him dearly.”

Anyone with information can contact officers on 0161 856 6377 or by using GMP’s LiveChat facility. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously, on 0800 555 111.