POLICE have renewed their appeal for information on the whereabouts of wanted man Leon Cullen following the sentencing of Billy Jones.

Convicted murderer Jones was acting on behalf of Cullen, who is on the run from officers over his alleged involvement in drug dealing in the Warrington area, when he was involved in a conspiracy to plant a grenade under a car on Cleveland Road in Orford.

Leon Cullen is suspected to be the head of a cocaine racket – members of which were jailed for 185 years earlier in 2019, including twin brother Anthony Cullen who was handed 27 years behind bars.

Detective chief inspector Mike Evans, from Cheshire Police’s serious and organised crime unit, said: "We have received significant intelligence with regards to Leon Cullen and we review it.

"We are still looking for Leon Cullen and will continue to do so until he is brought to justice.

RECAP> The sentencing of Billy Jones as it happened

"When we do catch up with him, we will also look to speak to those associates who have been hiding him and speak to them.

"If Leon thinks he is not guilty, then he should hand himself in and come and face a trial."

DCI Evans added: “Protecting our communities from serious and organised crime is paramount, and we need the public’s support in providing us with information to disrupt this criminality.

“If you do not feel comfortable speaking to a police officer then you can pass information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A ‘substantial’ reward has also been offered for information on the whereabouts Leon Cullen.

Meanwhile, DCI Evans has welcomed 29-year-old Jones’ conviction – as well as that of Wesley Williamson and Robert Musson for conspiracy to supply cocaine in the town.

He added: “Jones deliberately left a viable explosive under a vehicle to send a warning demonstrating the group’s criminal capabilities.

“This came without a second thought for the destruction and devastation it could have caused to our local community had the safety pin been removed.

“Jones wanted the police to know about the device to send a clear message with the intention of instilling fear and intimidation.

READ > Teen killer jailed for life over grenade find

“Today’s sentencing sends out our own clear message - we will stop at nothing to investigate those who harm our communities, and we will not rest until those involved realise Cheshire is a very difficult place to operate.

“To those who suggest drug supply is a victimless crime, I hope this highlights to them the violence and feuds that take place behind the scenes.

“Musson and Williamson were pivotal in controlling a lucrative cocaine market in Warrington.

“Despite using a number of other criminals to do their dirty work to evade prosecution, they were caught by detectives and had no choice but to admit they were part of organised drug crime.”