Police hunt British fugitives in Spain

British crime fighters issued details today of 10 "most-wanted" criminals believed to be hiding in Spain.

British crime fighters issued details today of 10 "most-wanted" criminals believed to be hiding in Spain.

The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and charity Crimestoppers said the suspects were wanted for offences including murder, drug trafficking and kidnap.

They were thought to be on the run in the Alicante region in southeast Spain.

The crime enforcers hope British ex-pats in Spain will recognise the suspects identified in Operation Captura 2 and urged the public to call Crimestoppers anonymously with any information.

A previous online campaign run with the British Embassy in Madrid and the Spanish authorities resulted in 13 arrests out of a wanted list of 30 fugitives.

"This is an innovative partnership which is proving to be very successful, and is delivering a simple message to criminals -- you won't escape to the sun, we will find you and bring you back," said SOCA director general Bill Hughes.

The wanted fugitives include Andrew Alderman (49) convicted for the rape of a schoolgirl, and Andrew Snelgrove (45) wanted for attempted murder.

The others are convicted kidnapper Dean Rice; Thomas Cochran, Adam Hart, Shashi Sahnan, and Alan Gordon, all wanted for drugs offences; and Dennis Hunter, Donna McCafferty and Anthony Kearney, all wanted for fraud.

Reuters