AN EAST Lancashire fugitive has been declared one of Britain’s most wanted men.

And police will attempt to step up the hunt for Andrew Moran when they broadcast Crimestoppers live from Lancashire next month for the first time.

Moran, 25, of Burnley, is described as a ‘violent thug’ by police.

He has been at large since March 2009 when he vaulted the dock at Burnley Crown Court.

Moran was on trial accused of taking part in a £25,000 armed robbery on a security van at Colne’s Asda store in May 2005.

During the raid security guard James Hadkinson had a gun held to his neck, was threatened with a machete and was hit over the head.

At Burnley Crown Court, after pushing a custody officer over, Moran escaped.

It is believed he could have fled abroad, and may be in Spain.

Earlier this month, police received two calls containing ‘significant’ information.

But he has now been put on the list of Britain's Most Wanted Men.

Extra efforts will be put into catching him. Lancashire police are also liaising with international police forces in a bid to finally bring him to justice.

Detective Inspector Simon Cheyte said: "This is a very serious offence and we are determined to get Moran back before the courts to serve the time for his crime and I would urge anyone with any information as to his whereabouts to come forward and contact police."

Moran was found guilty in his absence of conspiring to rob the Royal Mail after a seven-week trial.

He is described as being around 5ft 8in tall, stocky, with cropped fair hair.

The Crimestoppers show, which airs on BBC1 from 9.15am to 10am Monday to Friday, from June 7, will also look into illegal dear poaching, raids on drug dealers in the Blackburn and Darwen area.

Presenter Ginny Buckley and the Crimewatch production crew have already spent some time with Lancashire Constabulary.

She said: “We will be looking at everything from poachers in the Ribble Valley to hunting one of Britain’s most wanted men - Andrew Moran from Burnley.

“We filmed at night with Lancashire police tracking deer poachers and the footage was quite distressing, showing what was left behind.

“The programmes will be hoping to crack a few of these cases, as well as showing reconstructions, interviews and live broadcasts.

“It is different from the monthly show and by giving it a regional feel we hop to focus on the crimes affecting the community.”

Since 1985, Crimewatch has featured 73 Lancashire cases and Ginny said the crew enjoyed a ‘fantastic’ relationship with officers during filming this month.

She added: “It would be brilliant if we were able to say we’d got some leads to bring people in Lancashire some peace of mind.”

Anyone with any information can contact police on 01282 425001 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.