WANTED: Northumbria Police are looking for ten remaining fugitives after five have been arrested

Last month (June) police officers released photographs of what they described as their “top targets” who they hope to bring to justice.

Northumbria Police said the men may be “laying low or living transient lifestyles” in order to avoid detection.

Two of the arrests include A 31-year-old man from Sunderland and a 30-year-old man from South Shields who were both detained after being wanted in connection with witness intimidation and assault respectively.

Both have since been released on police bail.

A 21-year-old man from Easington Lane has also been arrested and charged with burglary and threats to destroy or damage property, and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court later this month.

Two wanted men from Gateshead – one for harassment and the other for burglary – have also been hunted down.

With a third of the fugitives arrested, the hunt is on to bring the remaining 10 to justice.

Speaking at the initial appeal to the public, Lead for Wanted People, Superintendent Andy Huddleston, said: “A number of searches are ongoing for each of these suspects who we believe are actively evading arrest.

“They may well be relying on friends or family to help them stay under the radar. I am appealing for anybody who believes they have seen them – or know where they may be residing – to get in touch.

“When we have previously released images of wanted suspects, we have been overwhelmed by the public’s positive response – and your information has directly helped us detain fugitives and bring them into custody. We are looking to maintain the momentum and achieve that same outcome again.”

“As we head into the summer, we are looking to locate these men as quickly as possible so we can interview them in connection with a range of offences committed across our region.

“I would encourage those pictured to hand themselves in to the nearest police station, and would reiterate that it is a criminal offence to harbour a wanted fugitive which could result in a prison sentence."

Alongside photographs, the force have released a full list of the remaining wanted men along with the offences they wish to speak with them in connection with. The list of the remaining men is outlined below;

Scott Blackburn, 28, of South Shields, wanted in connection with assault

Martin Brown, 23, of Gateshead, wanted in connection with an assault

William Flamson, 38, of Gateshead, wanted in connection with breach of restraining order

James Harbetson, 31, of Blyth, wanted in connection with breach of licence

Oliver Lamb, 19, of Newcastle, wanted on prison recall

Ashley Lawson, 50, of Newcastle, wanted in connection with burglary

Craig Shaw, 23, of Bedlington, wanted on prison recall. Also has links to Blyth area

Mark Stevely, 39, of Newcastle, wanted in connection with assault. Also has links with North Tyneside.

Kristian White, 26, of Wallsend, wanted in connection with criminal damage and threats to kill.

Michael Whitehouse, 34, of Felling, wanted in connection with an aggravated burglary

Anyone who who has information about the wanted men’s whereabouts are asked to contact police immediately via the Tell Us Something page of their website or by calling 101 and quoting reference NP-20220621-0603 along with the suspect’s name.