A POLICE operation has been launched to find some of a county's most wanted people.

Operation Montford is a countywide campaign running throughout this week focusing on locating and arresting people wanted in connection with serious offences, including domestic abuse.

This week’s campaign follows a similar operation in November and it includes a number of individuals from East Lancashire.

Det Chief Supt Sue Clarke, of Lancashire Police, said: "Robustly dealing with individuals who have committed these offences, supporting victims and preventing further offending remains a force priority and a key part of our everyday business.

"This operation gives a clear message that this type of offending will not be tolerated and emphasises our commitment to ensuring the safety of the community we serve."

The operation will continue over the next few weeks, and will maintain a focus on these force priorities.

It will also expand into wider wanted offenders with priority given to those who 'pose the greatest risk and threat.'

Amongst the most wanted are:

- Dylan Mason, 26, of Redearth Road, Darwen. He is wanted for a burglary and affray in Starkie Street, Darwen in August 21 last year. Anyone with information should call 101 or email 5152@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log number ED1713702

- Adam Hesketh, 23, of Craven Street, Accrington, who is sought for the assault of a 21-year-old woman and criminal damage in the Beech Street area of Accrington on January 27. Contact (01254) 353947 or email 415@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log number ED1801749

- James Alexander Barr, 23, of London Terrace, Darwen. He is wanted for a burglary in Tockholes Road, Darwen, on October 5, as well as an allegation of assault against a 48-year-old woman. People should call 101 or email 305@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log number ED1716468

- Darren Bell, 43, of Elmwood Street, Burnley, has been arrested and is in custody. He was wanted for an incident on January 29, in Burnley, where a woman had a hot drink thrown in her face and was assaulted. During the incident a mobile phone was damaged.

- Aroon Asad, 29, of Lomond Road, Manchester. He is wanted for an assault, kidnap and threats to kill against a 27-year-old woman in the Nelson area on December 14. Call police on 101 if you have any information.

- Adam Sumner, 30, who is believed to be staying at various associates’ addresses in the Chorley/Leyland area. He is wanted for numerous assault offences against a woman in the Buckshaw Village area between April 2017 and January 2018. Call101 quoting log reference SC1800353.

- Lee Ashton, 22, who is believed to be staying at various associates’ addresses in the Chorley/Leyland or Wigan areas. He is wanted for theft from motor vehicle and burglary in Farington in January. Contact police on 101.

-Jamie Pitt, 25, believed to be sofa surfing in Carlisle - originally from Chorley. He is wanted for an assault of a woman in Chorley in July 2017 and further offences of criminal damage and breach of a court order. Call 101.