Seven arrests after Northumbria Police festive appeal for help - but eight still on the run

The force released the faces of 15 festive fugitives two weeks ago, who were wanted in connection with a range of offences committed across the North East including burglary, stalking and assault.

Seven of the suspects have since been taken into custody. Three have been already charged and are due to appear in court, while two others have been escorted back to prison after breaching the terms of their licence.

Enquiries are continuing to locate the remaining eight, who are believed to know they are wanted and to be actively evading arrest.

Superintendent Claire Wheatley, of Northumbria Police, thanked the public for their assistance.

"Time and time again, the public really do rise to the challenge and help us when we circulate the faces of wanted suspects,” she said.

“That’s been the case again, and over the last fortnight, we’re delighted to have arrested seven fugitives who were wanted in connection with serious offences.”

Of the seven already arrested, one has since been charged with wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, robbery, burglary and witness intimidation and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court later this month.

A second has been charged with robbery and has been remanded in custody until he appears in the same court in a few weeks’ time, while a third man has been charged with assault, multiple counts of criminal damage and harassment.

“All three will now have their day in court – and that’s testament to the fantastic teamwork between officers and the public,” said Supt Wheatley.

"Two further men who were wanted on prison recall are now also back behind bars, while two others were interviewed and remain under investigation.”

And she again appealed for help to track down the outstanding suspects.

“As a force, we’re committed to bringing effective justice against anybody believed to be responsible for committing crime in Northumbria,” she added.

“We are, therefore, asking the public to continue working with us and help us locate the remaining eight suspects. Do you know where they are staying, or have you seen them in your community?

"If so, we want to know about it.”

The remaining suspects are:

*Raymond Boyle, 50, of no fixed abode, wanted on prison recall

*John Bryan, 31, of Sunderland, wanted in connection with a public order offence

*Byron Ford, 36, of Ashington, wanted in connection with a stalking offence

*Christopher Hall, 46, of Gateshead, wanted for absconding from prison

*Michael McLaughlin, 33, of North Shields, wanted in connection with dangerous driving

*Jack Quinn, 26, of no fixed abode, wanted on prison recall

*Martin Ross, 43, of Newcastle, wanted in connection with a burglary

*Kai Wilkinson, 21, of Easington Lane, wanted in connection with a burglary

The men, or anyone who has information about their whereabouts, are asked to contact police immediately via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria force website or by calling 101 quoting NP-20221221-0218 plus the suspect’s name.