Murder suspects 'being assisted'

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The blood was discovered on 23 December

Two suspects in the killing of a man in Lancashire are being given help to evade police, a senior detective says.

Police believe Alan Street, 26, whose body is yet to be found, was killed at a house in Padiham before Christmas. His blood was found in the property.

Two men - Alan Palmer and Peter Leonard - are wanted by detectives after being identified as suspects.

Det Supt Neil Hunter, leading the murder inquiry, said anyone harbouring the pair could face prosecution.

Mr Street was on the sex offenders register, but police have not released any further details.

I believe a number of people have already assisted them in avoiding the police Det Supt Neil Hunter

"I would urge anybody who knows of the whereabouts of Leonard and Palmer to come forward," said Mr Hunter.

"I believe a number of people have already assisted them in avoiding the police.

"If they wish to avoid being arrested then I would strongly advise them to come forward with any information they have which, if necessary, will be treated in confidence."

Police are asking for public help in their inquiry.

Murder charge

"It is vital that we recover Alan Street's body and I would like to reassure the public that we are doing everything possible to find him as well as arresting those responsible for the murder - but we need their help," said Mr Hunter.

Mr Leonard, 51, is white, about 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build with blue eyes and light brown hair, cut very short.

He has a two-inch scar on his nose and the words LOVE and HEIDI tattooed on his hands.

Mr Palmer, 43, is white, 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build, with receding dark brown hair. He has brown eyes and several tattoos on his left arm, including a snake's head, a bull, an eagle and a swallow.

On his right arm he has tattoos of a snake and a skull, as well as the words MAM and LUCKY.

One man, Keiran Davison, 20, of Stockbridge Road, Padiham, has been charged with murder.