POLICE are appealing for help in finding two suspected fraudsters, as a nationwide hunt is stepped up.

John Derek Bush, 33, and Lyndsay Hughes, 25, both originally from Doncaster, are wanted in connection with a series of frauds across North Yorkshire where they have obtained accommodation and hire cars by misrepresentation.

The incidents occurred in Selby, York, Thirsk and in the Malton area during January and February 2011.

Further offences may have been committed in other parts of the UK, which is why the appeal has been extended across the country.

North Yorkshire Police said that extensive police enquiries had been carried out and continue, but the suspected offenders have remained elusive.

Bush is white, of a stocky build, 5ft 10in tall and with thinning blond hair, or bald, with blue eyes.

Hughes is white, of slim build, 5ft 5in tall, with long mousy hair, a freckled complexion and blue eyes.

PC Andy Palmer, of the Northallerton Priority Crime Team, said: “John Bush and Lyndsay Hughes are suspected of abusing the trust and good faith of businesses in North Yorkshire and leaving them out of pocket. It is possible they have preyed upon other businesses elsewhere in the UK.

“This type of behaviour is calculating and callous and deserves to be punished by the full weight of the law.”

Anyone who can help locate the two suspects should call PC Andy Palmer at the Northallerton Priority Crime Team, North Yorkshire Police, on 0845 60 60 24 7, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 12110033237.