Man wanted over sawn-off shotgun and County Lines drugs seizure may be in Scotland

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A man being hunted by cops after a sawn-off shotgun and Class A drugs were found during County Lines police raids could be in Scotland.

North Yorkshire Police say Stephen Robert Howard, 31, may have travelled by train to Fort William in the Highlands. Police Scotland have been notified and are working with their colleagues south of the border while his picture has been circulated amongst officers.

Investigators believe he has fled from his hometown of Whitby after a motor packed with drugs was stopped last week.This resulted in follow up searches of multiple properties by the Operational Support Unit, who discovered the firearm.Two people have already been arrested and released under investigation while enquiries continue.A statement from North Yorkshire Police said: “Searches for Howard are ongoing in the Whitby area, but there is also a possibility that he has headed to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands by train.“He also has links to Leeds in West Yorkshire.

British Transport Police, Police Scotland and West Yorkshire Police are assisting with the search for Howard.The Daily Record and Sunday Mail have always been at the forefront when it comes to reporting crime in Scotland.But did you know all the ways you can stay informed of the top crime and courts headlines?We share live crime news and exclusive court stories as well as features and columns on historical cases, keeping our readers informed and updated across the country.“He has also been circulated as wanted to police forces around the country.“Howard is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, short brown hair, green eyes, medium build, and he usually has a trimmed beard.“Anyone with information about Howard’s whereabouts or possible sightings of a man matching