Brighton murderer being hunted by police

The man who murdered a Brighton barman is being hunted by police.

Officers are trying to trace Ian McLoughlin, 55, in connection with the murder of a man in Hertfordshire on Saturday (13 July).

Detectives believe that McLoughlin, also known as Ian John Baker, could head for Sussex and have warned the public not to approach him as he is dangerous.

He was jailed for life in 1992 for the murder of barman Peter Halls in September 1990.

McLoughlin is believed to have kept contacts in Sussex, particularly in Brighton and Seaford, according to Sussex Police.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Brunning, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “We urgently want to speak to Ian McLoughlin in connection with this offence.

“We believe that he is possession of a large amount of £50 and £20 notes which he may be using for purchases.

Ian McLoughlin

“It is a substantial amount which he could be trying to conceal.”

Chief Superintendent Steve Barry, from Sussex Police, said: “We are working with colleagues in Hertfordshire in a bid to trace this man.

“There is no specific information to suggest that he is in Sussex but we would ask anyone who spots him or knows of his whereabouts to dial 999 immediately.

“Do not approach him. He is a very dangerous man.”

McLoughlin was described as white, about 6ft tall, with straight, greying, collar-length hair.

On Saturday he was believed to be wearing sunglasses, blue jeans or three-quarter-length trousers and a blue and white checked short-sleeved shirt with a button-down collar.