A wanted man with links to Peterborough has been named on a list of most wanted men believed to be hiding out in Spain.

Matthew Purves is on the National Crime Agency (NCA)’s new list of the 12 most wanted men who are linked to Spain.

The NCA said Purves is wanted for his involvement in a conspiracy to supply multiple kilos of cocaine across the UK, and is wanted by Northamptonshire Police.

Along with Peterborough, Purves has links to Corby and southern Spain, the NCA said.

The Peterborough Telegraph has previously reported about an appeal to find Purves, when a £5,000 reward was offered by Crimestoppers.

Officers say he is wanted in connection with offences that are said to have taken place between 2019 and 2021. The 41-year-old has cropped auburn hair and is around 6ft tall.

Purves was named at the launch of the 20th anniversary of Operation Captura, a campaign to track down wanted men in Spain.

Rob Jones the NCA’s Director General Operations said: “As we mark the 20th anniversary of Operation Captura, our message is very clear. Spain is not a safe haven for fugitives and this partnership has shown time and again that if you run, we will not stop looking. We will find you, and we will bring you back to face justice.

“Fugitives rarely stop offending while on the run. They continue to harm communities in both Spain and the UK, and attempt to stay under the radar by blending into large British ex-pat populations. These are not people you want in your neighbourhood.”

He added: “Today, we are asking for the public’s help once more. Loyalties change, time moves on. If you have any information that could help us, now is the time to come forward.”

All the details of the wanted men are available at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/get-involved/campaigns/help-bring-the-uk-s-most-wanted-in-spain-to-justice

Anyone with information about one of the Most Wanted is urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously in the UK on 0800 555 111, and callers in Spain should call the freephone Spanish number 900 926 111, which will be answered by Crimestoppers in the UK (using translation if required).

Alternatively, members of the public can fill out an anonymous online form at the UK charity’s website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/spain.