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Police are working to bring ‘murder mastermind’ John Belfield back to Manchester after drugs arrest abroad

He's been arrested in South America.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 29th March 2023

John Belfield, a man wanted on suspicion of murder in Greater Manchester, has been arrested abroad on drug-related offences.

Greater Manchester Police have said they’ll now be ‘working with international law enforcement agencies’ to bring Belfield back to Manchester.

Police have been searching for Belfield, 28, since last summer, believing him to be the ‘mastermind’ behind the brutal murder of Thomas Campbell.

Campbell, 38, was found dead in his home in Mossley, Tameside, on Saturday 3 July. He had been fatally assaulted and died of the injuries he sustained in the attack.

John Belfield has been arrested
John Belfield photographed in December 2022 – he has since been arrested overseas. Credit: GMP

Belfield was arrested on 23 March 2023 by Suriname authorities on suspicion of drug-related offences – he’ll likely remain in the South American nation’s jurisdiction to face these charges.

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Then GMP want to bring him back to Manchester to face questioning from GMP’s Major Incident Team.

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.

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“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.”

Featured image: GMP