MORE than 100 fugitives have been arrested as part of a week long crackdown by police to arrest wanted criminals.

The police launched Operation Dawn Thunder to target people hiding and on the run from police.

Police said 108 outstanding suspects have been arrested and returned to prison or remanded in police custody on Wednesday and Thursday.

Ch Supt John O'Hare, commander of the investigation said: “Over the past two days, we have carried out more than 100 warrants across Greater Manchester to target those fugitives who are on the run and have shown no remorse for their crimes by surrendering to police.

“These people pose a significant risk to our communities. Not only are they wanted for their original crimes, but when they are on the run and in hiding they often have to resort to further criminality such as theft and burglary just to get their hands on cash. That leads to more innocent people being caught up in this web of criminality.”

He warned the crackdown was just the beginning of the operation and said people harbouring criminals risk going to prison themselves.

To help identify wanted criminals visit gmp.police.uk/wanted.