A MAN on the UK’s most wanted list in connection with an Ashton murder has been arrested in Portugal almost four years later.
Callum Halpin was being sought after Luke Graham was gunned down in broad daylightat a house on Birch Street as children played close by in June 2018.
The 27-uear-old was also wanted for the attempted murder of Anton Verigotta as a drugs turf war escalated.
But on Monday, May 2, he was finally picked up by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Halpin, of the Openshaw area of Manchester, appeared in court in Portugal today (Wednesday, May 4) and was remanded in custody while the extradition process proceeds.
Detectives from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team have been seeking Halpin after the incident that saw 31-year-old Graham murdered and 27-year-old Verigotta suffer a serious gunshot wound.
The NCA added Halpin to the UK’s Most Wanted list while appeals for information about his whereabouts were made.
Detective Inspector Lee Barrow, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “News of Callum Halpin’s arrest is an important development in our investigation and we will work closely with the NCA and other relevant international agencies to bring him back to Greater Manchester and continue our pursuit of justice for Luke’s family.
“Halpin has been on the run since Luke was fatally shot on that tragic day nearly four years ago and it has been our intention ever since to ensure all those suspected of being responsible for his death are caught and prosecuted.
“I want to thank partners from the National Crime Agency for their work in arresting Halpin and I know this will send a strong message to fugitives – and also the public – that we are totally committed to working with law enforcement agencies across the world to ensure those wanted are caught wherever they try to hide, and ultimately face the serious charges they are accused of.”
Steve Reynolds, National Crime Agency regional manager in Spain, said: “Callum Halpin’s arrest was made possible after some superb partnership work between the NCA and our Portuguese counterparts to whom we are extremely grateful.
“Halpin’s arrest comes only 48 hours after another fugitive was arrested in Portugal.
“These arrests should serve as a warning to other fugitives and most wanted subjects that we will not stop until they are captured.”