POLICE have issued a new photo of a "dangerous" man they want to trace in connection with the murder of a guesthouse landlady, as police in North Yorkshire join the search.

Members of the public have been warned not to approach John Heald, 53, from South Yorkshire, who is believed to have been a resident at the Morayland Hotel in Marshall Avenue in Bridlington, East Yorkshire at the time of the death.

Humberside Police said he is considered to be dangerous and anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to ring the Major Incident Team on 01377 208989 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who sees him should call 999.

A cordon remains in place at the guest house and crime scene investigators are at the address carrying out detailed forensic work.

The victim has been named as Bei Carter, 49, who was the landlady at the guesthouse.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police have been helping with the search, particularly in the Scarborough area.

Superintendent Phil Cain, who is co-ordinating the North Yorkshire Police response to the search, said: “While the search for Mr Heald continues, I would like to reassure members of the public that we will maintain an increased police presence in the Scarborough area and will continue to carry out reassurance checks at local bed and breakfasts, hotels and pubs.  

“The investigation remains ongoing and we urge anyone who believes that they have seen Heald in the town or wider area, to contact the police.

“I also urge anyone who is concerned if they have not heard from a friend, relative or work colleague in the town, to please get in touch.”

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Baldwin, senior investigating officer at Humberside Police, said: “John Heald has managed to evade the police so far but we are closing in on him and will not relent until we have found him.

“I believe he is a very dangerous individual and it is an absolute priority to track him down.

“I strongly suspect he has headed back to South Yorkshire where he originates from and he may have approached friends for help in providing him with shelter.

"My message to them is very clear; this is a dangerous man, the police need to find him as a matter of urgency and if he contacts you, ring the police immediately. Do not assist him in avoiding the police.

"It may also be that Mr Heald is sleeping rough and so once again I would ask for the public to remain vigilant and anyone who thinks they see him should not approach him but contact the police straight away."