POLICE have issued a national TV appeal in a bid to catch a Hyndburn drug dealer who fled the country five years ago.

David Anthony Stuart, 33, was arrested at the Roebuck pub in Rishton on Friday 9 July 2004 after 20,000 ecstasy tablets, with a street value of over £60,000, were found.

He was charged with conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and was bailed to stand trial at Preston Crown Court on 6 July 2005.

However, Stuart failed to attend and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

A judge sentenced him to eight years in prison in his absence.

Police believe he now lives in the Malaga area of Spain, possibly as a funeral director, however, he still has strong connections in the East Lancashire area.

Stuart was featured on BBC One’s new Crimewatch Roadshow programme on Monday morning.

It is hoped the daily show will produce fresh information to help police track him down.

A spokesman from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit said: "We are very keen to ascertain the whereabouts of Mr Stuart and hopefully, as a result of this latest national appeal, we will be given new information which will lead us to them.

"However, we still believe that people living in Hyndburn could hold vital information and we would ask them to contact Lancashire police or Crimestoppers."

The Crimewatch Roadshow will be broadcast at 9.15am every morning on BBC One.

Anybody with information should contact police on 08451 253545 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

vanessa.cornall@menmedia.co.uk