Police have renewed their appeal for information as they continue to try and trace murder suspect John Belfield.
Detectives investigating the murder of Thomas Campbell have also released a new photo of the 28-year-old, dated December 2022.
It’s believed he was the ‘mastermind’ behind the brutal killing of Thomas, whose body was found by a neighbour at his home on Riverside in Mossley at around 10.40am on Saturday 3 July.
Last week, three people – including Thomas’s ex-wife – were sentenced to a total of 62 years for their involvement in his death.
The conspiracy to murder was ‘meticulously thought out’ and planned around his daily routine, GMP found during the investigation.
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Thomas Campbell. Credit: GMPThomas Campbell. Credit: GMPThomas Campbell was brutally murdered in his own home.
On the night of the attack on 2 July, Thomas was ambushed when he opened his front door, then was overpowered and assaulted before being tortured and murdered inside his own home.
An autopsy revealed he had suffered more than 61 injuries.
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Despite the sentencing of Reece Steven, 29, Stephen Cleworth, 38, and Coleen Campbell, 38, detectives are still trying to track down John Belfield, who is believed to have left the country.
Detective Inspector Mark Davis, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “We have been working tirelessly ever since Saturday 3 July 2022 to find those we suspect are responsible.
“Three people were yesterday (Wednesday 23 February 2023) sentenced to a total of 62 years for their involvement in Thomas Campbell’s death.
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“Since July, we have followed a number of lines of enquiry and through an extensive investigation continue to appeal to the public for any information about Belfield’s whereabouts.
“We know he has links to Greater Manchester and Lancashire, but we now believe that he has left the UK and could possibly be in Spain or Tenerife.
“Thomas suffered significant injuries over a period of time, and I must stress that we do not want members of the public to approach Belfield. If you become aware of his whereabouts, please do nothing more than dial 999, quoting Operation Ravensburg. He is thought to be a dangerous individual who must not be approached.
John Belfield photographed in December 2022. Credit: GMP
“It is also worth reminding members of the public and Belfield’s associates, in particular, that assisting an offender is a criminal offence any anyone convicted of this faces up to 10 years imprisonment.
“Thomas owned at least two high-value Rolex watches that have been missing from his home address ever since his death, and we ask if anyone has any information about these to let us know as they may prove to be a crucial line of enquiry.
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“Our team continue to investigate this serious and complex investigation and are following many lines of enquiry to identify all of those responsible in playing a part in his death.”
Anyone with information should contact officers, on 0161 856 6377, or using GMP’s LiveChat facility on www.gmp.police.uk or alternatively Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured image: GMP
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Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade
Danny Jones
We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.
Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.
The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.
Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…
Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.
As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.
You already know the rest.
Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.
Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.
If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.
All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.
Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
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Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time
Daisy Jackson
Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.
The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.
He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.
Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.
He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”
He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”
The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.
Can always count on a comic to make the joke everyone else is thinking.
The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.
“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).
“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.
“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.
“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”
Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”
They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.
Touch wood.
Today's announcement comes with reassurance that we welcome fans to Co-op Live from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on 1 May and into Olivia Rodrigo from 3 May 2024.
This could back to bite them. It already has once before.
“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.
“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.
“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.
“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.
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“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”
Daisy Jackson -
27th February 2023 
