A man described as a one of a North East police force’s most elusive fugitives was arrested after a successful operation by motor patrols officers.

Police were alerted to a vehicle said to be, “of interest”, on a trans-Pennine road, in Cumbria, shortly after midday on Thursday (January 12).

The vehicle was spotted near Brampton, on the A69, approaching the Northumbria force area, at 12.15pm.

Officers were immediately deployed to the area in a bid to intercept the car, which they believed was associated with a wanted suspect, who had evaded arrest for nearly two months.

Read more: Police release list of 15 most wanted criminals in North East

As the white BMW headed past Brocksbushes Farm, in Northumberland, specially-trained motor patrols officers positioned their cars around the target vehicle, boxing it in on all sides, before bringing it to a gradual stop.

A 33-year-old man, who was wanted for a separate dangerous driving offence, was brought from the car, placed in handcuffs and brought into police custody.

Chief Inspector Ian Cutty, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a superb piece of work by our officers, who were quick to act on this intelligence and took decisive action.

“We believed the vehicle was associated with a wanted fugitive and our immediate priority was to bring that car to a swift and safe stop.

“The officers involved used their skill and expertise to quickly surround the car, bring it to a stop and detain the driver.

“I would like to thank everybody involved in this incident and hope this sends out a strong message to anybody trying to evade arrest: ‘You will be found and you will be brought into custody’.

“We all have a responsibility to make our roads as safe as they possibly can be for all users, and I would continue to ask the public to work with us by reporting any motorists who endanger the lives of others.”

It is the latest detention of one of the force’s “most wanted” men.

Read more: Eight suspects still sought by North East police remain at large

Shortly before Christmas, the force released the faces of 15 not-so-festive fugitives and asked the public to pass on information about their possible whereabouts.

Thursday’s arrest means 11 of their targets have now been successfully arrested or interviewed under caution in connection with a range of offences, including burglary, stalking and assault.

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Inquiries are ongoing to locate the remaining outstanding four suspects, who are: Raymond Boyle, 50, of no fixed abode and Jack Quinn, 26, of no fixed abode, both wanted on prison recall, Byron Ford, 36, of Ashington, wanted in connection with a stalking offence, and 43-year-old Martin Ross, from Newcastle, wanted in connection with a burglary

The suspects, or anyone who has information about their whereabouts, are asked to contact the force immediately, via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on its website.

Alternatively information can be passed on by calling 101, quoting NP-20221221-0218, plus the suspect’s name.