The search for Thomas Dures has taken on a new urgency as authorities in Spain and the United Kingdom ask the public for assistance in locating him. Dures recently turned 21, and police believe he may have vital information regarding the tragic murder of 19-year-old Matthew Daulby. The situation surrounding Daulby’s death has left his family in a state of profound grief and uncertainty, and the pursuit of justice for him continues to unfold.
In July 2023, officers responded to reports of an ongoing disturbance on Railway Road in Ormskirk, where they discovered Matthew Daulby a short distance away, suffering from stab wounds. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Daulby succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was a stab wound, leading to a significant investigation by the police. The violent nature of the crime sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting an extensive search for answers.
In March of this year, 19-year-old Henry Houghton was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of Matthew’s murder. This conviction brought a measure of closure for some, but it did not end the quest for justice for Daulby’s family. The investigation remains active, with detectives still seeking to speak with Thomas Dures as part of their ongoing inquiries. DCI Andy Fallows, from the Force Major Investigation Team, has publicly expressed his determination to bring Dures in for questioning.
According to DCI Fallows, it has now been over 12 months since Matthew’s murder, and while one man has been found guilty, the search for further answers continues. Fallows highlighted the frustration of Matthew’s family, who are still awaiting justice. “Dures has known that my officers have wanted to speak to him for some time,” he stated. “While Matthew’s family continues to search for answers about what happened that night, Dures is out there and knows we want to speak to him.”
Fallows further urged Dures to take responsibility and surrender himself to the authorities, emphasizing that the time has come for Dures to do the right thing. Meanwhile, officers from the UK, in collaboration with the National Crime Agency and Interpol, are actively searching for him. The police have turned to the public for assistance, particularly in Spain, where Dures may be hiding.
In a public appeal, DCI Fallows called on individuals residing in Spain or visiting the country to reach out to Crimestoppers if they have any information about Dures’ whereabouts. He made it clear that the authorities are looking for information that could lead to Dures’ arrest, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in solving this case.
To incentivize the public to come forward, there is a substantial reward of £20,000 for information leading to Thomas Dures’ arrest. This reward consists of £10,000 from Crimestoppers and an additional £10,000 from the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner’s office. The initiative underscores the seriousness of the investigation and the determination of the authorities to bring closure to the ongoing case.
Matthew Daulby’s parents, Angela and Gary, have been vocal about their grief and the void left in their lives after losing their son to knife crime. They expressed their anguish, stating, “To lose Matthew in these circumstances is incomprehensible and something that we just can’t fathom and work out.” The pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances has left them questioning the events that led to Matthew’s death. “We ask ourselves every day; ‘why?’ Why did this happen?” they lamented.
Matthew had left home after enjoying a typical Friday night dinner with his girlfriend, filled with excitement for an upcoming holiday. The abrupt end to his life has left his family grappling with unanswered questions and an unshakable sense of loss. They have made a heartfelt plea for the public’s help in locating Thomas Dures. “We’re just stuck in limbo as a family,” they said. “We urge someone out there please, please help our family to locate Thomas Dures. We can then try to adapt to our new life without Matthew.”
The parents’ emotional appeal highlights the profound impact of violence on families and communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the public in seeking justice for victims of crime. The reward for information is specifically available to individuals who provide leads exclusively to Crimestoppers, either through their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
Neil Keeping, the National Crime Agency’s Regional Manager in Spain, has also stressed the need for public assistance in the search for Dures. He noted that Dures has known links to Spain and could potentially be residing anywhere within the country. Keeping urged residents and tourists alike to come forward with any information regarding Dures’ location. “It has been over a year since Matthew Daulby’s life was taken in tragic circumstances, and we are actively working with our partners here in Spain to locate Dures, who may be able to assist Lancashire Police detectives with their ongoing investigation,” he stated.
The continued search for Thomas Dures is not just a matter of law enforcement but also a deeply personal issue for the Daulby family and the community that mourns Matthew’s loss. The impact of violent crime extends far beyond the immediate victim, affecting families, friends, and the wider community. The unresolved nature of Matthew’s case serves as a stark reminder of the need for justice and accountability in instances of violent crime.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that the search for Thomas Dures will lead to answers for Matthew’s family. With law enforcement actively seeking assistance from the public, the hope is that someone will come forward with the crucial information needed to locate Dures and potentially bring further clarity to a case that has left so many questions unanswered. The collaboration between the public, law enforcement, and organizations like Crimestoppers is vital in ensuring that those who are responsible for violent acts are held accountable.
In conclusion, the case of Matthew Daulby is a tragic reminder of the realities of knife crime and its devastating effects on individuals and families. As the search for Thomas Dures continues, the call for justice remains at the forefront of the community’s collective effort to address violence and its consequences. The public’s role in this process cannot be overstated, as every piece of information can make a difference in achieving justice for victims and their families. The journey toward healing for the Daulby family hinges on finding answers and ensuring that such tragedies do not happen again.