NORTHUMBRIA Police have put seven of the most wanted criminals in the North East at the top of their Christmas list, as they’re appealing for information that will put the suspects behind bars over the festive period.

Earlier this month, the police force released the images of more than a dozen people who were wanted in connection with a range of offences across the region.

Since the appeal ran, officers have received a fantastic response from the public - with eight suspects having since been placed under arrest and vital intelligence coming in about many of the others.

Read more: Facebook appeal leads to arrest wanted North East fugitive

One man has since been charged with a string of offences including burglary and vehicle interference and is due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court in the New Year.

Another suspect has been escorted back to prison, while two further men were interviewed in connection with several offences and remain under investigation.

Despite getting results from their appeal, the police have set their sights on locating the other seven criminals – and have urged those pictured to hand themselves in.

The Northern Echo: The police are asking the public for help tracking down these last seven criminals. Photo: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE.The police are asking the public for help tracking down these last seven criminals. Photo: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE.

Superintendent Paul Milner, of Northumbria Police, said: “I would like to say a huge thanks to the public for the response we’ve received over the last fortnight regarding these suspects.

“We have received a significant amount of intelligence and information which has helped us locate and arrest eight men who had been evading us.

“The net is tightening on the outstanding seven suspects, and we have received some crucial information about possible sightings and where they may be residing. Efforts are ongoing in the lead-up to Christmas to trace them.

Read more: Northumbria Police arrest 28 people in County Lines crackdown

He added: “I would continue to encourage anyone who thinks they have seen any of those pictured to get in touch. I would strongly advise those who remain outstanding to make themselves known to police by handing themselves in.

“I would like to reiterate that it is a criminal offence to harbour a wanted suspect, and we do not want anybody to get into trouble on their account.”

The list of those suspects still outstanding are:

  • Justin Bruce, 24, of West Denton, wanted for breach of a restraining order
  • Alexander Hindmarsh, 32, of Houghton-le-Spring, wanted in connection with a burglary
  • Lewis Nesbitt, 27, of Washington, wanted in connection with an assault
  • Dylan Newall, 26, of Houghton-le-Spring, wanted in connection with a burglary
  • Jamie Smith, 27, of Blyth, wanted on prison recall
  • Paul Williams, 38, of Gateshead, wanted in connection with a sexual assault
  • Bradley Wilson, 28, of Benwell, Newcastle, wanted in connection with an assault

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