GMP are to push for the extradition of the alleged mastermind of the fatal attack on Thomas Campbell. As reported in the Manchester Evening News four days ago, John Belfield, 28, was arrested on drugs charges in south America.
Belfield, who was named in court as one of Thomas' killers was held in Suriname, a small country on the north eastern coast of South America, which borders Guyana and Brazil. Today GMP formally confirmed he had been held and said it was their intention to bring him back to Manchester.
Mr Campbell, 38-year-old was robbed and 'tortured to death' in his own home after being ambushed by three men. Three people, including Thomas's ex-wife Coleen Campbell, were jailed last month for their roles in Thomas's death. Belfield was not in the dock during the trial and was believed to have fled the country. After the convictions of the three, GMP renewed their appeal for information on Belfield, and said intelligence has suggested he had been in Tenerife.
In a statement today GMP said: "John Belfield, 28, was arrested on Thursday 23 March 2023 by Suriname authorities on suspicion of drug related offences. He will likely remain in Suriname’s jurisdiction to face these charges and GMP will continue to work with international partners to bring him back to Manchester to face questioning from GMP’s Major Incident Team."
Belfield has been wanted by GMP following an investigation into the death of Thomas Campbell, 38, in Mossley, Tameside. Thomas’ body was found by a neighbour at his home on Riverside on Saturday 3 July 2022. Thomas was fatally assaulted the previous night and died because the injuries he sustained.
A public appeal to help trace Belfield was launched by GMP in August 2022, since then, officers have been working tirelessly to find him.
Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson from GMP’s Major Incident team said: “The news of Belfield’s arrest is an important development in our investigation, we will be working with international law enforcement agencies to bring Belfield back to Manchester and continue in our pursuit to find answers for Thomas’ family.
“Through vigilance shown by our colleagues in South America, Belfield was recognised by Suriname’s law enforcement upon his arrest and information regarding his whereabouts was shared with our Force Critical Wanted Unit.
“We have previously released numerous appeals to ask for help in finding him and we thank the public for their continued support in this case. This is an excellent result which shows once again, that UK law enforcement does not give up on finding those abroad who are wanted for offences in the UK.”
