Members of the public in Scarborough town centre help stop suspected drug dealer who was running from police

The 20-year-old man from Cumbria was arrested on Wednesday after officers received reports of suspected drug dealing in Scarborough town centre.

Following a short foot chase, police say a man was detained on Vernon Road with the assistance of members of the public.

Officers seized a large quantity of suspected Class A drugs and cash.

Later that day, the arrested man was charged with possessing heroin with intent to supply, possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply and possessing criminal property.

He appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where he was remanded in custody, with a trial at York Crown Court set for September 21.

Arresting officer PC Liam Cromack thanked the members of the public who helped officers at the scene.

“I would particularly like to extend my thanks to the members of the public who assisted in detaining the male until the arrival of further officers," he said.

"Because of their quick-thinking, we were able to not only apprehend the suspect but we recovered a substantial quantity suspected illegal of drugs that would otherwise have been in circulation on the streets of Scarborough.”

A 16-year-old girl was also arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. She has been released while under investigation.

North Yorkshire Police urges anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour in their area to contact them on 101 or if the incident is ongoing to ring 999.