One of Britain's most wanted child sex offenders has been arrested by gardaí in Co Kildare.
John Murrell (39) went on the run for more than seven years after failing to register with police on his release from prison in September 2000. He was arrested on Friday afternoon by officers acting on a European arrest warrant.
Murrell, who faces extradition to Britain, was remanded in custody to appear before the extradition court in the High Court tomorrow, according to a Garda statement.
An undated photograph of John Murrell. PA
He was featured on the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre's "Most Wanted" website. His case has featured in numerous public appeals including the BBC Crimewatchprogramme.
Murrell disappeared with his family after being released from a jail sentence he received for indecently assaulting a child.
During the search, police received reports of possible sightings in Belfast, Aberystwyth, Blackpool and Canada.
Police said Murrell, who was on the run with his wife and five children, may have used false identities and changed his appearance to evade police.