POLICE in the North-East have turned to television viewers across the country as they try to find two men wanted for separate serious crimes.

Northumbria Police appealed through BBC1's Crimewatch programme on Tuesday, asking people to tell them the whereabouts of a suspected rapist and man wanted in relation to the supply of drugs on Tyneside.

John Renner Dillon, 40, is wanted in connection with the rape of a 16-year-old girl.

Dillon has lived in London as well as Newcastle. He has quite heavily tattooed forearms and he may be a floor layer by trade.

He also has connections in Portugal and Ireland. Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police 0191-454 7555.

Police also want to trace a man suspected of being a Colombian drug dealer.

The man, known as Xavier who is believed to be from the London area, is wanted in connection with conspiracy to supply cocaine on Tyneside.

He is being sought by detectives involved in an ongoing operation to target the supply of class A drugs in the North-East.

Anyone who recognises this man or has information about his whereabouts is asked call 0191-214 6555, ext 49006.

People can call Crimestoppers about either appeal on 0800 555 111.