One of the UK’s most wanted fugitives is arrested in Spain

The National Police have confirmed that they have arrested Dean Garforth, one of the UK’s most wanted fugitives, after he was recognised by an off-duty policeman in Marbella. 30-year-old Garforth from Liverpool is wanted by Cheshire Police for being part of a crime gang that sold drugs and guns.

The fugitive was leaving the residential complex, where he lived, on an electric bicycle when National Police approached him to arrest him. Realising that he had been discovered he tried to attack them using the two-wheeled vehicle as a weapon.

Police said that Garforth had tried to go unnoticed among a significant British community in the Costa del Sol town and that he took careful measures and rarely allowed himself to be seen.

However, he was finally recognised when he left his home wearing sunglasses and a cap, riding an electric bicycle which he used to attack officers, and two police officers were slightly injured in the incident.

Despite this Garforth was quickly arrested and handcuffed to be transferred to a police station, as there was an International Arrest Warrant against his name issued by the British authorities for drug and arms trafficking crimes.

The Most Wanted operation, a joint project of the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Crimestoppers, was launched in 2006 to locate the UK’s most wanted fugitives and those who are suspected of having fled to Spain and the Canary Islands. It mainly focuses on those wanted for drug smuggling, murder, robbery, and arms dealing.

Garforth now faces extradition proceedings before a Spanish High Court before being returned to the UK.