POLICE officers tracking the ‘North East’s most wanted’ have turned to the public for help finding the final five criminals that are evading arrest.  

Earlier this month, Northumbria Police circulated the images of 15 men wanted in connection with offences across the North East.

Since the appeal, members of the public have come forward with information about possible sightings and where each suspect may be staying – helping the police force arrest ten of the most prolific burglars from the region.

Already, over the last week, Northumbria Police have had more success, which has seen some burglar’s festive celebrations cut short, as they ended Christmas in a police cell.

Read more: Six of the region's most wanted are arrested within 15-hours

On Boxing Day, officers investigating the wanted burglars received information that a 26-year-old man was staying at an address in Sunderland. They attended the property and found their suspect hiding behind a fridge in the kitchen.

He was detained and has since been escorted to court.

Then, in the early hours of yesterday (December 29), a 27-year-old man who was wanted for breaching his licence was also arrested in Blyth. He remains in police custody at this time.

The Northern Echo: After starting out with 15 criminals at the start of December, the police force only have five left to arrest. Picture: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE.After starting out with 15 criminals at the start of December, the police force only have five left to arrest. Picture: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE.

Now that only five criminals remain on their list, Northumbria Police have issued a fresh appeal for information to help track down  the ‘final few’.

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.

“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.

The Northern Echo: The police have already arrested two men over the festive period and hope to catch the final five before the start of 2022.The police have already arrested two men over the festive period and hope to catch the final five before the start of 2022.

“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 five suspects who remain 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
  • 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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