Met publishes first 'Most Wanted' list of fugitives

A top 10 of Britain's "most wanted" fugitives, including suspected murderers and rapists, and alleged child sex offenders, was published by Scotland Yard for the first time yesterday.

Photographs and descriptions of the nine wanted men and one woman, with details of their alleged offences, were posted on the Metropolitan Police website.

Most of the suspects, many of whom are considered extremely dangerous, have connections outside London and several are wanted for offences abroad.

The only woman, Melanie Malcolm, 48, is on the run from charges of the neglect of two of her children. She also uses the name Henriques. Ivor Davies, 38, is wanted in Canada for causing a death by dangerous driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Peter Bellwood, 50, is wanted for questioning by both Danish and Welsh police over the theft of thousands of antiquarian maps and prints stripped from 16th-century and 17th-century books in libraries throughout Europe.

The decision to copy the American "Most Wanted" tactic is a U-turn for Scotland Yard. A Met statement on the force's website says: "The Metropolitan Police Service took the decision some years ago not to publish a 'Most Wanted Suspects' list because it was felt some criminals would play on the special notoriety it would offer." The decision to publicise the names is part of the force's drive to tackle murder and other serious crimes.

Commander Andy Baker, head of the Met's homicide investigations, said: "In many cases, we think these people will be living openly in communities across the UK and even the smallest piece of information can help police to track down a suspect, a wanted person, a missing person and where appropriate, to find a piece of property. We'll be waiting for your calls."

Previous attempts by the police to use similar tactics have been controversial. In January 2001, West Midlands Police came under attack for projecting 60ft-high photographs of suspected muggers on to the side of its headquarters in Birmingham.

The Law Society, which represents barristers, called for the scheme to be halted after two of the 10 alleged robbers were found dead in mysterious circumstances. The force has since scaled down its use of "wanted" appeals.

Anyone who recognises the names and faces on the Met list is urged to contact the police immediately on 020 7233 4128.

WANTED BY SCOTLAND YARD

Reginald Blythin, 55, originally from Chester, is wanted by Danish police in connection with the murder in January 2002 of Arturo Miranda, a Colombian, who was found dead in a harbour. He had been shot and his throat was cut.

Terry McCann, 58, is wanted in connection with a series of sexual assaults. He has been on the run since failing to turn up at court in July 2001 to face charges. Police inquiries have focused on Greenwich and Dagenham.

Anthony Shepherd, aged 44, a landlord from Bow, east London, is wanted in connection with the murder of Lee Chesaites in November 2002. The 19-year-old was shot dead in east London after a night out with friends.

Mr Shepherd is believed to still visit the east of London on a regular basis.