One of Britain's most wanted fugitives has finally been caught - after almost 30 years on the run.

Richard Burrows, 80, has been wanted by Cheshire Police for alleged child sex crimes after he failed to turn up for a trial at Chester Crown Court in 1997.

He had been charged with two counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault when he fled the country.

Cheshire Police said he was arrested on Thursday at Heathrow airport as he returned to the UK from Thailand.

He'd been held in police custody ever since and is set to appear at Chester Crown Court yesterday (2 April).

The charges related to the historic abuse of children alleged to have happened between 1969 and 1971, the force said.

Some were reported to have happened in a children's home in Congleton, Cheshire while others were alleged to have happened in the West Midlands.

He was arrested after joint work between Cheshire Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA), dubbed Britian's answer to the FBI.

advertisement

DI Eleanor Atkinson, from Cheshire Police, said: "Our determination to locate Burrows has not faltered over the past 27-years and his arrest marks a significant step forward in this case and the beginning of closure for all those involved.

"I would like to thank the public for the information that they have provided over the years during our search for Burrows and I hope that his arrest provides some reassurance.

"I also hope that his arrest acts as a warning to any other wanted suspects – demonstrating that no matter how long you hide, we will find you and you will be arrested."

We want to provide Richmond with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.