Wanted man arrested after 27 years on the run

A wanted man who has been outstanding for almost three decades has now been arrested.

Following work between Cheshire Police and National Crime Agency (NCA) International, Richard Burrows was arrested on Thursday 28 March at Heathrow Airport having returned to the UK from Thailand.

The 80-year-old had been wanted by Cheshire Police 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 the historic sexual abuse of children which is alleged to have occurred between 1969 and 1971.

Some of the offences are reported to have occurred at a children's home in Congleton, while others took place in the West Midlands.

The Cheshire offences were between 1969 and 1971, the offences in the West Midlands were 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.

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.”

Following his arrest, Burrows has been remanded in police custody and he is set to appear at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 2 April 2024.

Anyone with any concerns or enquiries in relation to the case is urged to contact Cheshire Police at: 

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/07CH23D51