A MAN checked into a smart hotel on the outskirts of Lancaster and fled without paying his bill four days later.

Staff at the 17th Century Stork Hotel, at Condor Green, didn't suspect anything when a man calling himself Bob Wescott checked in on Thursday, October 6, for a four-night bed and breakfast stay.

But after running up a £250 bill he disappeared without a trace.

"We are quite certain that this is not an innocent oversight," says Det Sgt Sean Carthy, of Lancaster CID.

"The man was driving a W-registered car which had false registration plates and his telephone number doesn't check out. I would like to warn hotels and guest houses to watch out for this man."

Bob' is described as white and in his 50s with a closely-trimmed grey beard. He has thinning hair, wears spectacles and speaks with a strong Yorkshire accent.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01524-63333 or contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800-555111.