One of the UK’s most wanted fugitives has been arrested at Heathrow airport after 27 years on the run and is due to appear in court on child sexual abuse charges.
Richard Burrows, 80, was arrested on Thursday after flying back to the UK from Thailand, nearly three decades after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Cheshire police had been trying to track him down since December 1997, when he failed to attend Chester crown court where he was due to stand trial for two counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault.
The charges relate to sexual abuse of children alleged to have occurred at a children’s home in Congleton, Cheshire, and in the West Midlands between 1969 and 1971.
DI Eleanor Atkinson from Cheshire constabulary 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 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.”
Inquiries to locate Burrows, whose full name is Richard John Ramsey Burrows, have continued since his disappearance, including multiple wanted appeals and a Crimewatch appeal in 1998.
Atkinson said: “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,.”
Duncan Burrage, a National Crime Agency international liaison officer in Thailand, said the arrest “demonstrates law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to hunt down those who await justice in the UK”.
“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,” he said.
Burrows has been remanded in police custody and is due to appear at Chester crown court on Tuesday.
