Swiss lead in hunt for one of Britain's most wanted fugitives

Police hunting one of Britain's most wanted fugitives have received "potentially significant" information on his whereabouts.

Mark Acklom, 44, who is alleged to have fleeced a divorcee out of £850,000 in life savings in a romance scam, was last spotted in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 10.

Yesterday Avon and Somerset Police revealed that he was believed to be with his wife, Maria Yolanda Ros Rodriguez, 47, and their two daughters, aged six and eight.

"We've received potentially significant information following yesterday's Europe-wide appeal for information on the whereabouts of wanted fugitive Mark Acklom and his wife Maria Rodriguez," a police spokesman said.

"Information has been provided relating to two potential sightings in Europe which we're now actively following up with the help of our partner law enforcement agencies.

"The appeal is still active and we're still extremely keen for sightings or information about Acklom's whereabouts."

The force released a photograph of Acklom's wife, who is also known to use aliases including Yolianda Ross, Maria Long and Mary Moss, and said she may be working as a yoga teacher or attending yoga classes.

Both Acklom and his wife have previously set up property businesses and police believe their daughters may be attending a fee-paying school.

Police are appealing to British expats with children in private international schools, who may have noticed the recent arrival of a family from Spain.

Last year, a European Arrest Warrant was issued for Acklom and he was believed to be at large in Spain, having been released from a Spanish prison over a £200,000 property fraud.

He is said to have left Carolyn Woods financially and emotionally devastated after promising to marry her.