An appeal has been launched to help find a wanted man in connection with an attempt to import millions of pounds worth of drugs into the UK through Dover.

An arrest warrant was issued earlier this year for lorry driver Lee James Hartness after he failed to turn up to court, accused of importing Class A drugs.

A probe was launched after an HGV arriving in Dover from France was discovered to have a purpose-built concealment in its trailer after it was searched by Border Force on November 21, 2016.

Inside, officers found packages of cocaine weighing over 90kg.

If cut and adulterated, the drugs would have had a potential street value of £7.2 million.

Following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation, 47-year old Hartness, from Carlisle, was charged and a summons was sent in August this year for him to attend court, but he did not appear at the hearing.

Two suspected accomplices, brothers Glen and Andrew Harrison, were bailed and are due to stand trial at Canterbury Crown Court in February next year in relation to a second importation attempt.

NCA Branch Commander Matt Rivers said: "Two years ago Lee Hartness arrived at the Port of Dover and a significant amount of cocaine was seized from his lorry.

"Hartness failed to attend his court hearing earlier this year and despite our extensive inquiries we have not yet been able to locate him.

"We are appealing to members of the public who may know the whereabouts of Hartness, or have any information that can help us find him.

"I would like to remind anyone helping Hartness, or frustrating our attempts to locate him, they could find themselves being arrested."

Hartness is described as a white British male, six feet tall and of medium build.

He speaks with a northern accent and both his arms are heavily tattooed with Japanese flower designs, as well as a dragon and serpent tattoo on his chest.

He is known to have connections in Carlisle, Newcastle upon Tyne and Northern Ireland.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the National Crime Agency on 0370 4967622 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.