POLICE are appealing for help tracing a 55-year-old man who spent three nights at a guest house in the region and left without paying his full bill.

Alexander Carne Hewitt, of no fixed address, is wanted on suspicion of fraud after he stayed at a B&B in Crescent Avenue, Whitby, North Yorkshire, between January 13 and 16.

He claimed to be visiting his mother in Sleights and paid for the first night of his stay, but left on January 16 without paying for the other two nights.

Police believe he targets guest houses in coastal resorts and is wanted for similar offences in the Scottish town of Sterling and Llandudno, in Wales.

Officers are appealing to anyone who sees Hewitt or knows where he is, to contact them with information.

PC Simon Jolly, of Whitby police, said: “Hewitt is wanted for offences in various parts of the country and we are urging the public to help us find him.

“Guest houses and B&Bs can ill-afford to lose money in the current economic climate and it is important that we catch Hewitt before he targets another unsuspecting business.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 - select option two and ask for PC Jolly.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111, quoting reference number 12120008171.