One of UK’s most wanted men arrested at Heathrow Airport after 27 years on the run

Richard Burrows, who stands accused of historic sexual abuse of children, returned to UK from Thailand

A wanted man who has been on the run for almost three decades has finally been arrested at Heathrow Airport.

Richard Burrows, who stands accused of the historic sexual abuse of children, was arrested on Thursday after returning to the UK from Thailand.

The 80-year-old was wanted by Cheshire Police for 27 years after he failed to attend Chester Crown Court in December 1997 over “extremely serious” allegations.

Richard Burrows, who stands accused of the historic sexual abuse of children, was arrested on Thursday, having returned to the UK from Thailand (Cheshire Constabulary)

The pensioner had at the time been due to stand trial for two counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault, with the charges relating to the sexual abuse of children alleged to have happened between 1969 and 1981.

Some of the offences are claimed to have occurred at a children's home in Congleton in Cheshire between 1969 and 1971, while others are alleged to have taken place in the West Midlands between 1971 and 1981.

Enquiries to locate Burrows have been ongoing since his disappearance, including multiple wanted appeals and even a Crimewatch appeal in 1998.

Burrows was finally arrested at Heathrow Airport on Thursday (Getty Images)

Following work between Cheshire Police and National Crime Agency (NCA) International, Burrows appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday and has been remanded in custody. He is next set to appear at the same court on 21 June.

The force has subsequently issued a warning to other wanted suspects, telling them: “No matter how long you hide, we will find you.”

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.”