A manhunt to find the alleged 'mastermind' of the fatal attack on Thomas Campbell will continue as detectives urge anyone with information to 'do the right thing'. John Belfield, 28, was the instigator behind the brutal killing of the 38-year-old in his own home, prosecutors allege.
After three of his claimed co-conspirators were locked up, senior officers have vowed that the hunt for Belfield will continue until he faces trial himself. GMP believe Belfield, from Openshaw, has fled the country. Now, they have revealed they believe he may be in Spain or Tenerife.
"We need information," Detective Inspector Mark Davis told the Manchester Evening News.
READ MORE: How Thomas Campbell was betrayed by a woman who claimed to love him
"Somebody is helping him, he's not doing it on his own. Any information, no matter how small, may assist."
The appeal comes after three people, including Thomas' ex-wife, Coleen Campbell, were locked up for their part in the horrendous killing.
Coleen Campbell, 38, of Bamford Street, Clayton, was ordered to serve 13 years after being convicted of manslaughter.
Stephen Cleworth, 38, of Charles Street, Heywood, was also convicted of manslaughter, while Reece Steven, 29, of Poplar Street, Middleton, was found guilty of murder. Cleworth was sentenced to life with a minimum of 12 years while Steven was handed a life term with a minimum of 37 years.
Following the sentencing at Bolton Crown Court on Wednesday, police have now released a new image of Belfield. Previously seen with a closely trimmed beard in an image from April last year, the new image shows Belfield sporting a fuller beard, apparently topless.
Detectives say Belfield is 'resisting all attempts from police to locate him'. The trial heard that Belfield is alleged to be 'heavily concerned in the large-scale supply of class A drugs', and is also wanted in relation to the 'alleged drug dealing activity of an organised crime group'.
"We understand that sharing information in a case like this can be nerve-wracking, but it is imperative that people do the right thing by Thomas and his family," DI Davis said at a press briefing following the sentencing hearing. "There is still a manhunt to locate and trace the whereabouts of John Belfield, who is urgently wanted in connection with the murder of Thomas Campbell.
"He was described in court as the instigator behind the robbery and murder of Thomas. He is actively resisting all attempts from police to locate him, and we really need the public's assistance to find him and bring him to justice.
"We now believe he is no longer in the UK. He is considered a dangerous individual, and must not be approached. If you do see Belfield, call 999 immediately. Anyone with information please contact GMP via our website, or 101 quoting Operation Ravensburgh.
"Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers."
In a further update released on Friday, DI Davis said: "Since July, we have followed a number of lines of enquiry and through an extensive investigation continue to appeal to the public for any information about Belfield’s whereabouts. We know he has links to Greater Manchester and Lancashire, but we now believe that he has left the UK and could possibly be in Spain or Tenerife.
"Thomas suffered significant injuries over a period of time, and I must stress that we do not want members of the public to approach Belfield. If you become aware of his whereabouts, please do nothing more than dial 999, quoting Operation Ravensburg. He is thought to be a dangerous individual who must not be approached.
"It is also worth reminding members of the public and Belfield’s associates, in particular, that assisting an offender is a criminal offence any anyone convicted of this faces up to 10 years imprisonment. Thomas owned at least two high-value Rolex watches that have been missing from his home address ever since his death, and we ask if anyone has any information about these to let us know as they may prove to be a crucial line of enquiry.
"Our team continue to investigate this serious and complex investigation and are following many lines of enquiry to identify all of those responsible in playing a part in his death."
Anyone with information can submit images or video footage to a dedicated portal set up by GMP here, or can call police, on 0161 856 6377, use GMP’s LiveChat facility or alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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