POLICE are asking for the public’s help tracking down several wanted individuals as part of an operation launched this week.

Operation Montford is a force wide operation that focuses on locating and arresting outstanding wanted individuals.  

The operation is running through this week and the initial focus will be on individuals who have subjected their victims to domestic abuse, serious sexual offences and child abuse.  

The aim of Operation Montford is to reduce vulnerability and maximise quality positive outcomes. Additional resources will be dedicated to locating those who are outstanding for these specific criminal offences or those who are wanted on warrant, with the origin of their offending being domestic abuse, serious sexual or child abuse. 

Lancashire Constabulary’s Head of Crime Detective Chief Supt Sue Clarke 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.

"The 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 forthcoming weeks, maintaining a focus on these force priorities but will also expand into wider wanted offenders with priority given to those who pose the greatest risk and threat.  

There are a number with links to East Lancashire...

  • Peter Sumner, AGE: 54, FROM: Walton le Dale, WANTED: In connection with the historical rape of a woman in Earby. Has links to the Barnoldswick/West Craven area.
  • Barry Neagle, AGE: 31, FROM: Nelson, WANTED: In connection with the assault of a woman, 35, at an address on Brunswick Street in April. Has links to the Colne and Nelson area.
  • Dylan Pilkington, AGE: 22, FROM: Great Harwood. WANTED: In connection with a burglary at a house in Padiham where a moped, cash, foreign currency, jewellery, an iPhone and a designer watch was stolen in October. Has links to the Great Harwood and Hyndburn areas.
  • Ryan Knowles, AGE: 34, FROM: Lancaster, WANTED: In connection with an assault which occurred on October 13th at an address in Lancaster. He has links to Lancaster, Morecambe and is believed to have visited Blackburn.

Click through the gallery above to see the offenders