ONE of the most wanted fugitives in the world could be hiding in Bury.

Edvinas Judinskas, aged 20, is being hunted by police for a murder in Lithuania in December, 2008.

It is alleged that he was part of a group who forced their way into a flat where the victim was punched, kicked and beaten with a metal rod and wooden chair leg. He later died from his injuries.

This week, a campaign has been launched by Crimestoppers and the Metropolitan Police Service Extradition Unit to find him and other foreign criminal suspects They believe Judinskas, who is from Lithuania, has links specifically to Bury and also Bolton.

He could have lived there and have friends or family in the Bury area.

Anyone who sees him is warned not to approach him.

He is wanted by European law enforcement authorities and is believed to be hiding here in an attempt to evade prosecution.

The Extradition Unit's Det Sgt Peter Rance, leading Operation Sunfire 3, said: “I’m asking the public, do you recognise this man?

“Maybe you know where he lives, works or socialises?

“He is wanted to face justice in another country and it is in the UK’s interests to help find him.

“If you have any information please call Crimestoppers so we can arrest him. If you see him call 999.”

Roger Critchell, Director of Operations for Crimestoppers said: “The purpose of Operation Sunfire is to track down and arrest murderers, violent robbers, drug traffickers and other criminals hiding in the UK.

“Crimestoppers is supporting this Metropolitan Police Operation so that these individuals can be put before the extradition courts to face justice abroad and no longer be a threat to this country.

“Non-national fugitives hiding overseas in countries such as this are a threat to local communities as they most often remain involved in criminal activity and a danger to those around them.

“We want these criminals off British soil and back to the countries where they have committed these heinous crimes so that justice may be served.”

Founder and Chairman of Crimestoppers, Lord Ashcroft KCMG, added: “Crimestoppers believes in the right to live without the fear of crime and we are encouraging the public to call us completely anonymously if they recognise him or have any information as to his whereabouts.”

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website at crimestoppers-uk.org.