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A British man suspected of a gruesome murder in Portugal’s Algarve region in April 2022 has been arrested in Alicante after more than a year on the run. The Guardia Civil, working closely with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Portuguese Judicial Police, apprehended the fugitive in the province of Alicante.

 

The man is accused of stabbing his partner 24 times in their apartment, where police also found hidden narcotics. Following the incident, he fled Portugal during legal proceedings and sought refuge between Málaga and Alicante, using the local British expat community and assistance from family and criminal contacts to stay under the radar.

 

The fugitive reportedly evaded several police operations and even attempted to run over officers at one point. However, officers from the Guardia Civil’s Central Operational Unit (UCO), with support from international agencies, finally captured him as he prepared to move between temporary residences.

He has since appeared before a court and been remanded in custody pending extradition to Portugal to face trial and serve a sentence.

 

Gill Duggan, from the NCA (National Crime Agency), said: “Our thoughts remain with the victim's family, who have endured unimaginable loss. Our relentless pursuit of the suspect was driven by a deep commitment to justice.”

 

Detective Superintendent Mark Drew from Merseyside Police added: “This joint operation shows the vital importance of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice and supporting victims’ families.”

 

This arrest marks a huge success after lengthy and complex investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies across Spain, Portugal, and the UK.

 

 

Image: Guardia Civil