DETECTIVES are still hunting for a man wanted over a hoax bomb alert at a top Blackpool nightspot.

Justin McAuliffe, 32, is wanted in connection with a series of suspicious and dangerous packages posted to addresses across the UK, including one to the resort's Brannigans bar last week.

McAuliffe, who is unemployed, has not been seen since going missing from his home at De Parys Avenue, Bedford, two weeks ago.

Around 30 of the improvised explosive packages have been recovered so far, many of which were posted to addresses in the Bedfordshire and Essex area.

But police are now working closely with Post Office investigators to recover more of the parcels which come in three types, ranging in size from A4 brown envelopes to smaller white or brown envelopes.

The larger A4 packages were found to hold a 'jiffy' bag containing a small plastic box with lighter fluid and trigger mechanism inside.

One member of the public has already suffered minor injuries after opening one of these packages.

A second, less harmful type of device was found inside some of the smaller envelopes containing a trigger device designed to cause alarm to the recipient.

The third type of parcel - a small envelope full of unidentified white powder - is similar to the package received by staff at Brannigans.

Leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Nicky Dahl, of Bedfordshire Police, urged anyone with information about McAuliffe's whereabouts to come forward immediately.

He said: "We would warn the public not to approach him but call the police immediately if they know where he is."

McAuliffe, who is believed to be of Irish descent, is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall with blue eyes and receding, closely-shaven brown hair.

Anyone with information should contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on 01582 394310 or dial 999.