Richard Burrows, one of Britain’s most wanted men, has been arrested after 27 years on the run

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Richard Burrows has been arrested after 27 years on the run.

Richard Burrows has been arrested after 27 years on the run.

A man who has been on the run from police for almost three decades has been arrested as he tried to reenter the UK.

Richard Burrows has been wanted by Cheshire Police since he failed to attend a Crown Court trial way back in December 1997.

Richard was due to stand trial for two counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault, all related to the historic sexual abuse of children alleged to have taken place between 1969 and 1971.

Some offences are reported to have occurred at a children’s home in Congleton, while others took place in the West Midlands.

Now 80, Richard Burrows has been arrested at Heathrow Airport having tried to return to the UK from Thailand.

Cheshire Police and National Crime Agency (NCA) International tracked him down on Thursday 28 March, where he was remanded into police custody before appearing at Chester Crown Court today.

Huge police efforts to locate Burrows have been ongoing since his disappearance 27 years ago, including a Crimewatch appeal in 1998.

Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson 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.”

Duncan Burrage, NCA International Liaison Officer in Thailand, said: “Utilising our international network and working closely with Cheshire Police colleagues, we have been able to track down a fugitive wanted in connection to extremely serious allegations.

“This arrest demonstrates law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to hunt down those who await justice in the UK.”

Anyone with any concerns or enquiries in relation to the case is urged to visit the Cheshire Police website or call 101.

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Featured image: Cheshire Police