A PARTY of eight people who racked up "a considerable bill" at a fine dining Indian restaurant before allegedly leaving without paying for their food and drinks.

North Yorkshire Police are hunting the group of four men and four women who ate at Masala Craft, in York city centre, where dishes such as Masala Sea Bass and Ajwani Salmon Tikka cost £16 and £14, respectively.

The restaurant on King Street is ranked among the best restaurants in the city on Tripadvisor, which has recently awarded it a certificate of excellence.

A police spokesman said the incident happened at 11.15pm on October 7.

He added: "The group consumed food and drink which cost a considerable amount of money and made off from the restaurant without making any attempt to pay for their bill. They did not leave any personal details for the staff at Masala Craft."

Anyone with information should phone police on 101, quoting the reference number 12170180219.