One of the UK’s most wanted men has been found in Malaga, Spain after spending seven years on the run.
Mark Francis Roberts was wanted by Merseyside Police for alleged grievous bodily harm and the attempted robbery of a man’s £60,000 Richard Mille watch.
Roberts was found on 10 May in Estepona, Malaga, following a joint operation involving the National Crime Agency, Guardia Civil and Merseyside Police.
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Roberts' last known UK address was in Fairfield, Liverpool, but he was discovered in Spain during surveillance and was identified and arrested by Guardia Civil officers.
Steve Reynolds, NCA regional manager in Spain, said: “Roberts’s arrest came about after a sustained campaign to trace him and some great work by the Guardia Civil.
“This is another excellent result and shows once again that UK law enforcement does not give up on finding those who await justice in the UK.
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“Working closely with our colleagues at home and abroad, such as our highly valued Spanish partners, we will continue to hunt those on the run.”
Roberts remains in Spain while he awaits extradition proceedings.
He was wanted by cops in Liverpool in connection to an alleged grievous bodily harm that took place in 2016, in which a man was attacked by two men - one of whom was carrying a blade.
The two suspects attempted to steal the man’s £60,000 watch - but when he refused to hand it over he sustained life-threatening injuries.
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The victim was treated in a critical care unit for puncture wounds, a collapsed lung and many lacerations.
Detective Inspector Katie Coote of Merseyside Police said: “I hope this arrest shows that there is no hiding place for anyone who is evading police.
“Thanks to our ongoing work with National Crime Agency Roberts has been located and is now in police custody.
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“These actions with our partners across the UK and beyond are about stopping anyone who could cause fear and harm in our community and we will leave no stone unturned no matter the length of time to find people who are wanted in connection with ongoing investigations or offences.”
Lord Ashcroft, founder and chair of Crimestoppers, said: “I am delighted that another fugitive has finally been caught and will no longer be able to avoid justice. Our Most Wanted campaign with the NCA – supported by the excellent work of Spanish law enforcement – has been an incredible success."
Claire Reid