A MAN who went on a "criminal damage spree" with a large metal pole — smashing windows at Bolton Library and town centre shops — is being hunted by police.

He was caught on CCTV picking up a large metal pole on Moor Lane, next to the main bus terminal, before making his way to Ashburner Street and smashing five windows at Bolton Library.

The man then proceeded to walk to Victoria Square, and then onto Newport Street when he used the pole to smash two windows at Heron Foods and, then two windows at Holland and Barrett.

Still carrying the pole, he walked past the Octagon car park passing two men near the skate park on Great Moor Street, before heading in the direction of the job centre on Blackhorse Street and leaving the pole on a nearby car park.

The man then went back to the bus station on Moor Lane, and stood at a stand where he spoke to two people, with an unlit cigarette in his mouth.

Police have now issued an image of the man they want to speak to in relation to the incident, which happened at about 5am on August 11.

They also want to speak to two people he spoke to near the bus station.

PC Nicola Rowley, of Bolton police, said: “We know that the offender was seen by and spoke to a number of people during and after his damage spree and we are keen to speak to anyone he may have come into contact with that morning.

“I would like to stress that these people are not in any form of trouble, we would simply like them to please assist us with our enquiries.”

Anybody with information should call police on 0161 856 5619, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.