Fugitive, 10, found in US

A 10-YEAR-OLD boy thought to be Britain's youngest fugitive has been found in America, police said yesterday.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been due to appear in court at Banbury, Oxfordshire, last week, accused of assault, attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

When he failed to answer the summons, a warrant was issued for his arrest and police began searching for him. He has now been found in Detroit, Michigan, with his father.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "He has been traced to an address in the United States where he has been, with his father, since before the court appearance."

Inspector Robin Gardner of Banbury police said: "The next step is to work out what action to take. The decision will be made with advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, social services and the court."

Harry Fletcher, the assistant general secretary of the National Association of Probation Officers, said: "It would be best to try to persuade the father that it is in the best interests of the child to return to Britain and face the consequences of what he is alleged to have done."