Jamie Acourt arrested: Former Stephen Lawrence murder suspect and one of Britain's most wanted fugitives captured by police in Barcelona

Captured: Jamie Acourt was arrested outside a Spanish gym
NCA
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Former Stephen Lawrence murder suspect Jamie Acourt, one of Britain's most wanted fugitives, has been captured by police in Barcelona.

The 41-year-old, from south London, was detained by armed officers after leaving a gym in the Spanish city, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

It follows a joint NCA, Met Police and Spanish National Police operation.

He was wanted by the Met Police over his alleged involvement in the large-scale supply of drugs.

Acourt was arrested in Barcelona on Friday afternoon
NCA

Acourt was one of six youths suspected to have taken part in the racist murder of 18-year-old Mr Lawrence in 1993 in Eltham, south London.

He has always maintained his innocence. In 2012, Gary Dobson and David Norris were convicted of the murder and were jailed for life.

Acourt was apprehended on Friday afternoon near the Metropolitan Sagrada Familia Gym on a European Arrest Warrant.

He will appear in court in Madrid next week for an extradition hearing.

Stephen Lawrence was stabbed to death in Eltham in 1993

Ian Cruxton, head of international operations for the NCA, said: "Acourt thought he could evade capture but as a result of an intelligence-led operation his days on the run have ended.

"We were able to direct the Spanish authorities to his location in Barcelona.

"Our ability to share information and work at speed with our international partners ensures there is no safe haven for fugitives. We will never stop pursuing these individuals."

Police have been hunting Jamie Acourt since 2016
Metropolitan Police

The Met Police added in statement: "Today, Friday May 4, Spanish authorities arrested Jamie Acourt, 41, in Barcelona on a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service.

"The EAW was issued as part of the Met's efforts to trace Acourt in relation to an investigation into the unlawful supply of controlled substances.

"This relates to an investigation launched in 2016 by detectives from the Serious and Organised Crime Command.

"Extradition proceedings now await."

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