Ex-Accrington and Burnley man hunted by police

5:29pm Wednesday 2nd July 2008

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A WANTED man is being hunted in East Lancashire after he broke the conditions of his release from prison.

Martin Sydney O’Neill, 21, was released from a six-year prison term late last year on licence but after an alleged theft is now wanted on prison recall.

O’Neill, who has recently lived in Nelson Street, Accrington, and Sandhurst Street, Burnley, was recalled to prison on May 1 but police have not been able to find him.

He was originally jailed for a violent attack outside a nightclub.

Insp John Clucas said: “I would appeal for the public to come forward if they have any information that will lead to the arrest of O’Neill and I would also appeal to him direct to give himself up.

“O’Neill is wanted by the police so he can be returned to prison.

"He is also wanted by Greater Manchester Police as well for an alleged offence committed in Bolton.

“We seek the help of the media and the public to find this man and arrest him.”

O’Neill’s home address is in Bolton but it is thought he could be in East Lancashire or Oldham.

He lived in Accrington and Burnley since his release from prison.

Insp Clucas said that O’Neill was jailed in July 2004 for attacking and seriously injuring a man outside a Wigan nightclub.

The attack was described in court at the time as being at the “higher end of assaults” and his victim was left needing extensive treatment.

O’Neill was also sentenced at the time for an offence of robbery following a street mugging in Wigan where he used force to steal a mobile phone.

Insp Clucas said: “I would not advise that people approach him but if anyone recognises the man in the photograph I would appeal to them to contact police.”

Anyone with information can contact their local police station or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.