CITY MAN ON POLICE ‘MOST WANTED’ LIST

CAMPAIGN TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SEES POLICE SEEK TO FIND CITY MAN

A MAN from Leicester has appeared on a police “most wanted” list published as part of a campaign tackling domestic violence during the Euro 2020 football touranment.

Colin Ashworth, pictured, is recorded as being from the city, but police said he is known to be a frequent visitor to Northampton.

Officers want to trace the 38-year-old in connection with alleged domestic abuse offences believed to have been carried out in the town.

He has appeared alongside a list of other men being investigated by Northamptonshire Police for similar alleged crimes.

The force is appealing to the public for their help in tracing Mr Ashworth. A photograph of him was one of eight released by the force last week.

Northamptonshire Police later said four suspects had been arrested in the first seven days of the campaign.

The offences covered by the campaign range from assault, criminal damage and threatening behaviour to breaching domestic violence prevention orders and failing to appear in court.

Officers confirmed a warrant had been issued for Mr Ashworth’s arrest.

However, details of the offences he is accused of have not been released.

Detective Superintendent Rich Tompkins, head of public protection for Northamptonshire Police, said: “Football championships can be a dangerous time for those being abused, so we are redoubling our efforts to hunt down domestic abuse perpetrators.

“We’ll leave no stone unturned. We are relentlessly pursuing those who commit this abhorrent crime.”

The campaign is scheduled to run until Sunday, July 11, and is aimed at encouraging the reporting of offences, together with telling victims where to go for help and support.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “It also sends out a strong message to perpetrators – if you commit domestic abuse, expect to be interrupted wherever you are, whether at work or down the pub watching the football, by an officer with a warrant for your arrest.”

Anyone who spots Ashworth, or knows of his whereabouts, is asked to call 101 and ask to speak to Northamptonshire Police.