Detectives hunting for a fugitive have appealed to the public for help in a bid to track him down.
Robert Friendship Smith, 23, from Sunderland, is wanted by police in connection with an assault and breach of police bail.
Officers have searched a number of addresses across Wearside in a bid to locate Smith, who is avoiding police despite knowing he is wanted.
Now police have asked members of the community who may know his whereabouts to get in touch.
Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Robson, of Northumbria Police, said: “Robert Friendship Smith has been avoiding police for a number of weeks and he is well aware that we need to speak to him.
“We are carrying out a range of enquiries in a bid to locate him, but today we are asking anybody who knows his whereabouts – or who has seen him in the Sunderland area recently – to come forward with any information you may have.
“It is a criminal offence to harbour someone who is evading arrest and we do not want anyone to get into trouble on his account.
“It would be best for everyone involved if Smith hands himself in to police so we can speak to him about this ongoing assault investigation.”
Anyone with information about Smith's whereabouts is encouraged to contact police immediately on 101 quoting reference 0568415.
Alternatively, you can report information to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
