An 80-year-old man has been arrested at an airport after 27 years on the run.
Richard Burrows, who is accused of historic sexual abuse of children, was arrested at Heathrow on Thursday after returning to the UK from Thailand, a spokesman for Cheshire Police said.
The force said he has been wanted since December 1997 when he failed to attend Chester Crown Court to face trial for two counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault.
The charges relate to alleged abuse between 1969 and 1971, reported to have taken place at a children’s home in Congleton, Cheshire, and in the West Midlands.
“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,” Cheshire Police Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson stated.
“I hope that Burrows’ arrest offers some comfort, and I would want to thank the public for the information that they have shared with us over the years throughout our search for him.
“I also hope that his arrest serves as a warning to other wanted individuals, showing that you will be apprehended no matter how long you hide.”
Since his disappearance, there have been several searches for Burrows, including a 1998 Crimewatch appeal.
“Using our international network and working closely with Cheshire Police colleagues, we have been able to track down a fugitive wanted in connection with extremely serious allegations,” stated Duncan Burrage, the 
‘s (NCA) international liaison officer in Thailand.
According to a police spokesman, Burrows has been placed under arrest and is scheduled to appear at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday.
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