ONE of the North-East's most wanted fugitives was foiled after an eagle-eyed citizen recognised his face from a police Facebook appeal.

At about 5pm on Monday Northumbria Police received information that an outstanding male – who had been evading arrest for weeks – was seen visiting an address in Houghton-le-Spring.

The Good Samaritan remembered a Facebook appeal issued by the force weeks earlier asking for information about the male’s whereabouts.

The 25-year-old fugitive, who is not being named for legal reasons, was wanted in connection with a range of offences including robbery, burglary and being found in enclosed premises.

Within minutes of the tip-off, officers from the city’s neighbourhood support team were deployed and circled the address in question.

They then saw their prime target walking out of the front door – before he quickly darted back inside.

His flight proved short-lived though as police caught up with him in the kitchen – and placed him under arrest.

Detective Sergeant David Weir, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was the perfect outcome after a member of the public remembered our wanted appeal on Facebook and picked up the phone.

“They absolutely did the right thing – their information allowed us to get resources to the scene within minutes and successfully apprehend our suspect.

“The public are our eyes and ears in the community and I hope this positive action reinforces how, by working together, we can make sure this region remains a safe place for everyone.

“This suspect has evaded police for a number of weeks, living a transient lifestyle and doing everything possible to remain under the radar. Unfortunately for him, the game is now up.

“This showcases the difference that the public can make – and should act as a wake-up call to other fugitives. Your face is out there, and if the community recognise you, it might be your door that we turn up at next.”

The suspect remains in police custody and will be interviewed in connection with a range of offences throughout today.

If you have information about somebody that is wanted, or know about criminality in your area, please report it to police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101.

In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.

 

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