The police in the Dutch province of Zeeland have arrested 26-year-old Anthony Downes from Liverpool, reportedly one of the most wanted men in the United Kingdom. He had been on the run for eight months.

A police spokesperson said the man has been convicted to life in prison for a number of violent crimes involving firearms.

Last July, Downes and an accomplice, Kirk Bradley, had fled from a van en route to Liverpool Crown Court. Twenty-six-year-old Bradley is still wanted by Merseyside police.

“Close collaboration between the UK and Dutch police led to his discovery in a holiday park in Zeeland. After a stay of several weeks he moved to a campground in the town of Hoogerheide, where he was eventually arrested on 9 March.”

He is being held at a prison in Vught while awaiting his extradition to the UK.

(gsh/kh)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide