A MAN wanted for murder in Lithuania may be hiding in Bolton.

Edvinas Judinskas, aged 20, is being hunted over a killing in the Baltic country in December, 2008.

It is alleged 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. The man later died from his injuries.

Today, a campaign has been launched by the Crimestoppers charity and the Metropolitan Police’s extradition unit to find Judinskas and other foreign criminal suspects.

They believe Judinskas has links to Bolton, and also Bury.

He could have lived here or have friends or family in the Bolton 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 in an attempt to evade prosecution.

Det Sgt Peter Rance, of the extradition unit, who is leading Operation Sunfire, said: “I’m asking the public if they 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, Crimestoppers’ director of operations, 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 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 are 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.”

Lord Ashcroft, founder and chairman of Crimestoppers, added: “We believe 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 Judinskas’s whereabouts.”

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