DETECTIVES have today launched a hard-hitting national television campaign in their mission to hunt down a fugitive wanted in connection with the murder of a popular Southampton dad.

Kevin Suika is being treated as the prime suspect linked to the death of Michael Freshwater who was found stabbed to death at a house in the city’s Portswood area.

Now Suika’s image will be broadcast to millions of homes across the nation as police aim to close the net around him - nearly two months after the dad-of-four was found dead.

It comes after a £10,000 reward was offered for any information leading to the arrest, charge and conviction of those responsible for Michael’s death.

Tonight Suika’s image will be shown on BBC1’s Crimewatch at 9.15pm as detectives launch a fresh appeal to track him down.

The 23 year old is believed to be from London and has links in the South East.

The body of Mr Freshwater was found at a flat in Westridge Road on Friday, April 29.

Police believe there may have been a dispute at the house earlier in the day before they discovered the dad-of-four’s body at 4.15pm.

So far 12 arrests have been made and the charity Crimestoppers is offering the £10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the murder.

It comes after Michael’s partner Jenny Downey described him as her “world” and “one of a kind.”

She said that the dad-of-four was a “true gentleman” who drew a “great satisfaction” from helping others - including volunteering to serve hot meals to homeless people within St Mary’s Parish at Christmas time.

Suika is described as black, 5ft 7in, of proportionate build with a tattoo on his left arm that reads: “Work like a slave, eat like a king.”

He has links to Holloway in north London, Bromley and Kent.

Hampshire Constabulary has been working with the Metropolitan Police to trace him and continue to appeal to the public to help find him.

Anyone who has seen him, or has any information on his whereabouts should contact police on 101 and quote Operation Windless.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.