Police plea for 'Costa criminals'

John Barton is on the run after being jailed for smuggling heroin

Police have appealed for information about 10 suspected British criminals thought to be living in Spain.

Crimestoppers and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) want to find 10 men believed to be connected to crimes ranging from murder to drug running.

The appeals are part of Operation Captura, which has caught eight criminals since October 2006.

Others like drug smuggler John Barton, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in his absence, remain at large.

Mr Barton, 52, from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, was sentenced in 2003 for his part in a heroin smuggling plot.

He is said to speak with a Midlands accent and is tall with a medium build.

Crimestoppers UK: 0800 555 111 Crimestoppers Spain: 900 555 111

Details of the 10 have been posted on a Spanish version of the Crimestoppers website.

Police are also trying to arrest James Walter Tomkins, 58, who faces murder charges related to the death of Rocky Dawson in Hornchurch, Essex, in 2006.

There is a £20,000 reward for information which leads to Mr Tomkins' arrest.

'Nowhere to hide'

Another is Allan James Foster, accused of murdering David "Noddy" Rice in a South Shields car park in 2006.

Dave Cording, Crimestoppers' director of operations said: "The success of Operation Captura speaks for itself.

British crooks who thought they could enjoy a 'yachts and villas' lifestyle in Spain have received a nasty shock Bill Hughes, Soca List of Spanish fugitives

"Once the photograph of the criminal is posted on our website they have nowhere to hide. We are delighted to be working with Soca on this campaign which is halting some very serious criminal activity."

Bill Hughes, Soca's general director added: "British crooks who thought they could enjoy a 'yachts and villas' lifestyle in Spain have received a nasty shock. Many of them are now experiencing a rather different lifestyle at Her Majesty's pleasure.

"Soca has worked with Crimestoppers and the Spanish to bring these criminals to justice but we couldn't have done it without the help of the public.

"I'd like to thank all of the brave individuals who have provided vital information. Now we need your help again.

"Please study the 10 new appeals closely and if you have any information at all please call Crimestoppers anonymously straight away. They are waiting for your call."