POLICE searching for a wanted man have appealed to the public for help in a bid to track him down and warned anyone who helps hide him would be committing an offence.

Paul Smith, 41, from Hexham, is wanted in connection with an alleged stalking offence.

Northumbria Police have carried out checks at various addresses in Hexham, the surrounding areas and across the UK in a bid to locate Smith, who knows he is wanted and is evading arrest.

Detectives leading the search are now asking members of the public who may have seen him or know his whereabouts to get in touch.

A spokesperson said: "We would like to reiterate that it is a criminal offence to harbour somebody who is evading arrest and officers do not want anyone to get in trouble on Smith’s account."

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101, quoting log 427 140321.

Alternatively details can be passed on to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.