POLICE are hunting a North-East businessman who has gone missing four months into a multi-million pound fraud trial.

George Steen has not been seen since he gave evidence at Southwark Crown Court in London late last week.

It is alleged the 54-year-old from Darlington is in breach of strict conditions imposed by the trial judge. These include residing at his home in Geneva Road.

Mr Steen had been in court alongside Dennis Alexander, 47, and David Andrews, 38, both from East Sussex.

All three deny conspiring to defraud between January 1, 1996, and June 6, 1999, and went on trial in mid-January.

It is alleged they encouraged more than 100 victims from around the world to invest in good-value multi-million pound loans.

The three are accused of ensuring clients invested heavily in the venture by delaying paperwork and calling for extra meetings.

Police in Darlington have been asked by counterparts in Sussex, who have taken the case to court, to look for Mr Steen.

Acting Inspector Dave Kirton said: "He had been in court for the day and has not been seen since.

"We have had a request from a southern force because he is breaching his bail conditions.

"His house is empty and has been checked on numerous occasions. All the checks were negative. We would urge anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact us."

Anyone who can help is asked to call Darlington police on (01325) 467681