One of the UK's most wanted fugitives is believed to be hiding in Spain while detectives hunt him in connection with a vicious attack that left a man fighting for his life.
Detectives want to speak to Mark Roberts over the attempted robbery of a £60,000 designer watch that led to its owner suffering a collapsed lung.
The 28-year-old was today named among the UK's most sought after suspects.
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Merseyside Police detectives want to speak to Roberts over a violent attack on the driveway of the victim's home.
The incident unfolded more than five years ago - leading the National Crime Agency to name him among their most wanted fugitives in a campaign launched today.
Desperate for information about his location, the NCA said he was wanted on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and the attempted robbery of a man’s Richard Mille watch.
The agency added: "The victim was attacked by two men with a blade at around 1.30am on September 30, 2016 after he parked his car on his home driveway.
"The victim refused to surrender his watch and was so badly injured he suffered life-threatening injuries and was treated in a critical care unit for puncture wounds, a collapsed lung and many lacerations.
"The victim heard one of the attackers say he’d cut himself in the attack, and Roberts’ blood was later identified at the scene."
Roberts' last known address was Freehold Street in Fairfield, and he is described as 6ft 1in tall and of medium build. He has a 7.6cm scar down his right leg and police added he had "heavy eyebrows", is right handed, has green eyes and a potential scar on his arm suffered during the attempted robbery.
He is thought to have links to Scotland as well as Spain.
Roberts is one of four men with links to Merseyside today named among the UK’s 12 most wanted.
Appealing for details, Steve Rodhouse the NCA’s Director General of Operations said: “Fugitives usually continue offending while on the run and these men will be known in criminal circles wherever they are.
“The last thing the fugitives’ associates will want is the combined determination and capabilities of the UK and Spanish law enforcement focusing on them.
“Many of these fugitives will be trying to blend in to the large British communities who have made their homes in Spain, and if you are resident, you may know one of them from your town or village.
“Loyalties change over time and we urge anyone with information about these men to help us find them.”
Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers, which is running the campaign in conjunction with the NCA and Spanish authorities, on 0800 555 111 or online here.
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