An 80-year-old man has been arrested at Heathrow Airport after 27 years on the run. Cheshire Police have been searching for Richard Burrows for 27 years after he failed to attend court in December 1997.
Burrows was due to stand trial for two counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault. The charges relate to the historic sexual abuse of children, which are alleged to have occurred between 1969 and 1971. Some of the offences reportedly happened at a children’s home while others took place in the West Midlands.
Burrows was returning to the UK from Thailand when he was arrested at Heathrow Airport, following work between Cheshire Police and National Crime Agency (NCA) International. 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.
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“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.”
And 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.”
Following his arrest, Burrows has been remanded in police custody and he is set to appear at Chester Crown Court today, on Tuesday, April 2. 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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