A fugitive has taunted police by offering to double a reward they offered for information on his whereabouts for anyone who kept quiet.
Aaron Stephenson, a 27-year-old from Newbiggin, is wanted under a crown court warrant in connection with an investigation into drug supply.
On Wednesday, Northumbria Police posted on Facebook offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information on Mr Stephenson, of Woodhorn Road.
However, Mr Stephenson himself soon responded publicly, offering to hand himself in if police paid him 20 times that amount and to double the reward money to anyone who kept their “mouth shut”.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Brooks said: “We have made extensive enquiries in a bid to trace Aaron Stephenson and our efforts will continue until he is brought into custody.
"He is wanted in connection with a number of serious offences and we are asking members of the community who may know his whereabouts or who have recently seen him to come forward.
“Someone out there will know something and that may be the small detail that helps lead to an arrest. I would also appeal directly to Aaron to come forward and hand himself in and do the right thing.”
Commenting underneath the appeal, Mr Stephenson wrote: “If you put [out] a red carpet out and some lovely silver poles I’ll come in happily?”
He added that police “know what they do” when they post public appeals, accusing them of seeking to make him a target for online abuse.
Ruth McNee, regional manager at Crimestoppers, which is offering the reward, said “If anyone has information on Aaron’s whereabouts please remember that you can stay 100% anonymous by calling our charity or by using our simple and secure online form.
“No one will ever know you contacted us.”
