The suspected ringleader of an organised criminal network, thought to be behind the importation of firearms into the UK, was arrested by Dutch police on Christmas day as he sat down to dinner at a restaurant in the Hague.

Daniel Burdett, 28, from Liverpool, was detained on a European Arrest Warrant after five years on the run.

The arrest was part of a National Crime Agency investigation into a crime group thought to be using corrupt truck drivers to smuggle firearms and ammunition from the Netherlands into the UK.

Burdett, who is also wanted by Merseyside Police for drug offences, is facing ten charges of conspiracy to import firearms and conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs.

One man has already been jailed for eight years in connection with this investigation and another is currently awaiting trial.

Burdett will now appear before Dutch magistrates who will consider his extradition to the UK where he will face the charges.

Mark Spoors, NCA Branch Commander, said: “The arrest of one of our long-standing fugitives is a fantastic result.

“Burdett thought he could evade the law by exploiting international borders, but his arrest shows that no matter where you are, we will catch up with you. Other fugitives should pay attention to this and remember how determined UK law enforcement is.

“Thanks to the co-ordinated response by the Dutch police and Merseyside Police Burdett is now facing extradition to the UK. The public can be assured that the NCA is relentlessly pursuing those suspected of causing the most harm to the UK – even on Christmas day.”