Wanted man, 80, arrested after 27 years on the run

An 80-year-old man who has been on the run for almost three decades has been arrested after returning to the UK from Thailand, police have said.

Richard Burrows had failed to attend the start of his trial over alleged child sex offences at Chester Crown Court in 1997.

Cheshire Police said Mr Burrows was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Thursday.

It said the charges relate to alleged child abuse between 1969 and 1971.

The force said extensive appeals had been made for information on Mr Burrows' whereabouts, including one on the BBC's Crimewatch programme in 1998.

It added that some of the offences were alleged to have occurred at a children's home in Congleton, Cheshire, and others were said to have happened in the West Midlands.

Mr Burrows will face 13 counts, including 11 of indecent assault and two of a serious sexual offence, at Chester Crown Court.

Det Insp Eleanor Atkinson said the arrest was a "significant step forward" in the case.

"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," she added.

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