Detectives investigating the brutal murder of Thomas Campbell in Mossley are continuing to appeal for information to trace a suspect who is still at large.

John Belfield, 28, of the Openshaw area of Manchester, is still wanted by police on suspicion of murder.

Mr Campbell's body was found by a neighbour at his home on Riverside at around 10.40am on 3 July 2022. 

The night before, Mr Campbell was ambushed as he opened his front door by a group who had been lying in wait for him.

He was overpowered and assaulted on his doorstep before he was dragged back inside his own home, tortured and murdered. An autopsy revealed he suffered over 61 injuries.

Three people, including Mr Campbell's ex-wife Coleen, were jailed this week for a total of 62 years. 

But the investigation is still ongoing and police hunting for Belfield believe he has now left the country and may be in Spain or Tenerife. 

Thomas Campbell was murdered in his Mossley home last summer 

Detective Inspector Mark Davis, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “We have been working tirelessly ever since Saturday 3 July 2022 to find those we suspect are responsible.

“Three people were sentenced on Wednesday to a total of 62 years for their involvement in Thomas Campbell’s death.

“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." 

Reece Steven and Stephen Cleworth have already been jailed in connection with Thomas Campbell's murder 

Police have also issued a further warning to Belfield's associates or anyone hiding information about his whereabouts, or about missing Rolex watches belonging to the victim. 

DI Davis continued: “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.”

GMP have a dedicated portal for anyone to submit images or video footage to help ongoing inquiries - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22G12-PO1. 

Anyone with information should contact officers on 0161 856 6377, or using GMP's LiveChat facility on www.gmp.police.uk or alternatively Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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