POLICE are calling on the public to help them catch a major York drug dealer on the run.

Alfred Philip Dear is part of a large heroin gang that operated in the city until they were caught last year.

All 13 members are due to be sentenced next month for their part in a massive drug operation.

A judge signed a warrant for Dear's arrest after he skipped bail partway through his trial at Leeds Crown Court in October.

Dear, 45, formerly of James Street Caravan Site, York, was found guilty in his absence of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

Now North Yorkshire Police have put out a most wanted appeal as they try to bring him to justice.

A police spokesman said: "Officers have carried out numerous enquiries to locate him and are now appealing to anyone who has seen him or knows of his current whereabouts to contact them."

Anyone who knows where he is or has any information that could help police find him can contact North Yorkshire Police on 01904 618691 and ask for the Force Control Room, quoting reference 12180199723 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

His most recent address is Corbridge Close, Hull, and he also has contacts with Osbaldwick.

The other 12 gang members, who have all admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs are : Alfred Dear, 26, and Levi Dear, 24, both of James Street Caravan Site; Paul Anthony Garratt, 49, of Crathorne House, Jackson Street, York; Simon McArthur, 28, of Suffolk House, Lowther Terrace, York; David Christopher Smith, 24, of Richmond Street, York; Geoffrey Smith, 25, of Burtonstone Lane, Clifton; Sarah Louise Smith, 36, and Philip Walker, 39, of Albert Close, Huntington; Danielle Smith, 33, of Ryedale Caravan Site, Osbaldwick; Marcus Levi Stannard, 26, of Ward Court, Nunnery Lane, York; Stine Wilson, 33, of Carnock Close, Huntington; and Kale Melvin Stephen Adams, 28, of Lilac Avenue, Knottingley.

Addresses are as at the time of their first court appearance.