Sightings reported of fugitive British conman Mark Acklom

Police hunting fugitive conman Mark Acklom have been told of two potential sightings of him.

They said they had received "potentially significant information" after appealing for the public's help in a Sky News interview.

Detectives had believed Acklom was hiding in Spain with his Spanish wife and children, but could be anywhere in Europe. They would not confirm where the sightings were reported.

Their appeal had focused on Acklom's wife and the couple's two young daughters, aged eight and six, who they believe are likely enrolled in a private, international school.

They have urged parents at such schools to try to identify the family who may appear to be Spanish.

Avon and Somerset Police, who want Acklom for allegedly fleecing a woman of her £850,000 life savings, said in a statement: "Information has been provided relating to two potential sightings in Europe which we are 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 to be reported."

Detectives are worried about the welfare of the two girls, who were suddenly taken out of their school near Murcia a year ago when we revealed that Acklom, 44, was about to be added to the Crimestoppers and National Crime Agency Most Wanted lists.

Detective Inspector Adam Bunting said: "They've been uprooted away from their family, away from their friends, away from their school overnight. They didn't have a chance to say goodbye to their friends.

"As they are living on the run with their father who is a wanted fugitive, we have some concerns for their wellbeing."

Acklom's wife is Maria Yolanda Ros Rodriguez, 47, who may be running a property business. She could also be working as a yoga teacher, or attending yoga classes.

Police believe she is helping her husband stay free, but has not committed any offence.

Acklom is the subject of a European Arrest Warrant, but his wife is not.

Acklom is known to use the name Marc Ros Rodriguez and other aliases and has connections in Spain in Murcia, Cartagena, Alicante and Madrid. He also has links to Italy and Ireland.

In May, he was photographed at a cafe in Geneva, Switzerland, having coffee with a fellow fugitive, wanted Spanish fraudster Jose Manuel Costas Estevez.

Acklom is wanted in the UK for an alleged fraud against Carolyn Woods, 58, who was running a boutique in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, when they met.

She said he claimed to be a wealthy Swiss banker and MI6 agent, before duping her into lending him her £850,000 life savings and then vanishing.

Anyone in the UK with information is urged to call, anonymously, the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, or from Spain dial 900 555 111. Information can also be passed online at the website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.