Officers are continuing their search for Skelmersdale’s most wanted pair, Stephen Grimes and Joel Dowling.



Dowling, 23, (pictured, right) from Skelmersdale and Grimes, 22, (pictured, left) from Upholland, are being sought by police following an affray on Sunday, September 15th and threats to commit an arson attack on Tuesday, September 17th.


The pair are also wanted for a further offence of threats to kill on Wednesday, September 18th in Skelmersdale.


Police have visited and searched the properties of a number of known associates of the men, and are warning anyone who may be helping them.


Insp Ellie Kanoun from Skelmersdale Police said: “Despite our previous appeal earlier this month, Grimes and Dowling are still outstanding but we are determined to find them.

“They know they are wanted and are actively avoiding the police. The net is closing in and as part of our work to find them, we will arrest anyone found to helping either one. Similarly, we will not stop until they are found and arrested.”

Dowling is described as white, 5ft 7ins, of slim build with short, dark brown hair and blue eyes.
Grimes is white, 5ft 9ins, of slim build with cropped, dark brown hair and blue eyes. He has a small scar on his forehead.


Insp Kanoun continued: “We believe they are still in and around the Skelmersdale area and would advise anyone with information to do the right thing and come forward.

“We are advising people not to approach them but to instead call police immediately on 999.

“I would also encourage Grimes and Dowling to do the right thing and attend the nearest police station because it’s only a matter of time before we find them.”

Aside from Skelmersdale, both men have links to Liverpool.


Anyone with information about immediate sightings can contact police on 999 quoting log reference 0269 of September 18th.


Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.