Police arrest fugitive 'Eta member'

A European fugitive has been arrested in Edinburgh more than 10 years after he went on the run.

Benat Atorrasagasti Ordonez, 36, was arrested during a raid by Lothian and Borders Police on Friday night in the Leith area of the capital.

The Spanish Interior Ministry said he had been living in the rented property for "some time".

It alleges that Ordonez, who is originally from San Sebastian, was part of the Eta terror group, and worked as a "carrier", transporting people and materials over the border between Spain and France.

He is said to have gone on the run in 2001 and was sentenced to five years in jail in his absence by a court in Paris.

The Sunday Mail newspaper reported that he has been on Spain's "most wanted" list since 2008.

His arrest was requested by Spanish authorities following an investigation which started several months ago.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "A 36-year-old man has been arrested in Edinburgh on two European warrants in connection with historical crimes committed in Spain and France.

"The man was arrested in the Leith area of the capital on Friday evening. We can confirm that no armed officers were involved and at no time was any member of the public at risk.

"The man will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday under the terms of the Extradition Act."