A SUSPECTED paedophile from the Lake District and one of Britain's most wanted fugitives has been arrested in France after crashing his car.

Stephen Carruthers was arrested in Ambleside in March 2014 after police raided his home to find more than 5,000 indecent images of children on a computer, including some that showed sexual abuse.

After being interviewed and bailed he then went on the run and has been wanted by Cumbria Police ever since on suspicion of 18 offences of making indecent photographs of a child.

The 43-year-old, who is originally from Bury, was prominently featured on Operation Captura, a most wanted fugitives campaign run by the National Crime Agency and Crimestoppers.

After being admitted to a local hospital with minor injuries on Saturday following a car crash he was kept in for further observations.

Subsequent checks by the French authorities on the EU law enforcement database then revealed his true identity as it was found that he was living in cottage in south-west France and had been using a false name.

Officers executed the European Arrest Warrant at the hospital with Carruthers then appearing before the general prosecutor of the Appeal Court of Agen where he was remanded in custody.

Extradition proceedings are now underway and his next hearing is set to take place on Wednesday.

Matt Burton, head of the National Crime Agency's International Crime Bureau, said: "The majority of our most wanted fugitives are captured as a result of intelligence-led operations, but with Carruthers his days on the run ended thanks to a huge slice of luck.

"Following the car crash the French authorities carried out checks that revealed his real identity and enabled them to execute the EAW.

"Now after being at large for nearly three years he will be returned to the UK to face justice.”

Carruthers is the 79th fugitive to be arrested out of 96 publicised through Operation Captura.

Lord Ashcroft, founder and chairman of Crimestoppers, said: "There are still seventeen fugitives on the list, many of whom continue to pose a threat to the UK as well as the communities where they hide.

"They rarely cease their criminal activity once they’re on the run which is why we pursue them.

“I would ask anyone with information on outstanding fugitives to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use our anonymous online form, safe in the knowledge you will never have to give your details, speak to the police or go to court."

A spokesperson for Cumbria Constabulary said: "We are pleased that Carruthers has been located in France and that we are now position to further progress enquiries into our investigation concerning him."

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