Urgent manhunt for ‘dangerous’ murder suspect wanted over death of Manchester man

Thomas Campbell was found ‘lifeless’ in what officers believe was a ‘targeted and deliberate’ attack

Police have launched an urgent appeal for a “dangerous” man wanted in connection with the death of a Manchester man.

Greater Manchester Police have warned people not to approach John Bellfield from Openshaw, Manchester, as a manhunt has been launched to find the 28-year-old wanted on suspicion of murder.

Thomas Campbell, 38, was found lifeless at an address on Riverside in Mossley, Greater Manchester, at around 10.30am on Sunday, 3 July 2022.

Detectives launched a murder probe into what they believe to be a “targeted and deliberate” incident.

Thomas Campbell was found dead in a property in Manchester in July (Greater Manchester Police)

Three people have been charged over Mr Campbell’s death and officers said his family was being supported by specialist officers.

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

In 2019, Mr Campbell was jailed for two years after being found guilty of money laundering and dealing cocaine. Detectives found he spent in excess of £100,000 in five years on luxury holidays and high-powered cars.

Police have warned not to approach John Bellfield (Greater Manchester Police)

Investigators from GMP’s Operation Challenger Manchester linked Mr Campbell to a network of drug dealers involved in the supply of cocaine.

Appealing for information on Mr Bellfield, a spokesperson from the force said: “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.

“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.

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