Police issue urgent manhunt warning for people to avoid murder suspect

Greater Manchester Police have asked the public to be vigilant and stay safe as they issued a wanted post for 28-year-old John Belfield earlier today (22 August).

Belfield is wanted in connection with the ongoing investigation into the murder of Thomas Campbell, which happened last month.

In their statement to the media today, GMP warned the public not to approach Belfield, describing him as 'a dangerous individual'.

GMP cautioned: "Do not approach Belfield 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."

#WANTED|Can you help us find a murder suspect from #Manchester? John Bellfield (13/04/1994) is wanted on suspicion of the murder of Thomas Campbell in #Tameside last month. Do not approach Bellfield, if you see him call 999. Any information? Contact officers on 01618566377. pic.twitter.com/4iY7SeORw7

— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) August 22, 2022

GMP also shared the wanted status on their Twitter account, urging anyone with any knowledge or sightings of Belfield to get in touch.

The 28-year-old is from the Openshaw area of Manchester, and is also believed to have links to Lancashire but could be anywhere in the UK.

GMP added: "Anyone who knows Belfield, and may be withholding information, is reminded that assisting a suspect can lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

"Our detectives continue to investigate Thomas’s death in #Mossley after his body was discovered on the morning of 3 July."

Thomas Campbell, 38, was found lifeless at an address on Riverside in Greater Manchester last month.

Detectives had launched a murder probe into what they believe to be a 'targeted and deliberate' incident, and have since charged three people, including a 38-year-old woman.

Campbell's wife Colleen Campbell, 38, appeared via video link from custody at Manchester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing, alongside two men; Stephen Cleworth, 37, and Reece Steven, 29.

GMP said: "We’ve charged three people so far and continue to keep Thomas’s family updated while our specialist officers support them.

"Anyone with information should contact officers on 0161 856 6377 or using GMP’s LiveChat facility on https://crowd.in/b8GoOi or alternatively Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Police forces across the country have also shared the message in a bid to alert the public to Belfield in case he's hiding or on the run in another part of the UK.

BBC Lancashire, South Yorkshire Police and Lancashire Police all shared the news on Twitter, as Belfield is believed to have links to these areas in the north.

However, GMP have stated he could have fled anywhere in the UK and are keen for all members of the public to be aware of the wanted appeal.

A statement released to Twitter from South Yorkshire Police read: "Can you help colleagues in @gmpolice locate #wanted man John Belfield? He may have travelled anywhere in the UK. If you have any info, please contact GMP."

LADbible has contacted GMP for comment.