Dog walkers help in body search

Alan Street's blood was found at a house in Padiham

Police in Lancashire have asked ramblers and dog walkers for their help in tracing a man they believe to have been murdered.

Officers handed out leaflets at Rivington Pike on Sunday as they continued their search for the body of 26-year-old Alan Street.

Police believe Mr Street was killed at a house in Padiham before Christmas.

A 20-year-old man, of Stockbridge Road, Padiham, has been charged with murder. Police are seeking two more men.

The leaflets asked walkers to contact police if they had noticed any suspicious activity in recent weeks.

Det Supt Neil Hunter, from Lancashire Police, said: "We are yet to recover Alan Street's body and I would appeal for anyone, particularly ramblers or dog walkers, who may have seen a number of men acting suspiciously, on open land between Oswaldtwistle and Knuzden, to get in touch."

Two men, Alan Palmer and Peter Leonard, are wanted by detectives.

Police have warned anyone who is harbouring the two men that they "do so at their peril".

Police believe Alan Palmer and Peter Leonard are together

Det Supt Hunter added: "I believe a number of people have already assisted them in avoiding the police. If anyone chooses this course of action then they will be arrested and could face serious criminal charges.

"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."

Mr Leonard, 51, is white, about 5ft 8ins (1.73m), 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 described as white, 5ft 11ins (1.83m), of medium build, with receding or skinhead dark hair.

He has brown eyes and several tattoos on his left arm, including a snake's head, a bull, an eagle and a swallow.