British murder suspect Shane O'Brien, who is on the "world's most wanted" list, has been detained in Romania.

The 31-year-old is suspected of murdering Josh Hanson, who was stabbed to death aged 21 in a bar in Hillingdon, west London, in 2015.

O'Brien fled following Mr Hanson's death and was placed on Interpol's worldwide fugitive list, with a £50,000 reward for information which led to his arrest and prosecution.

According to the Metropolitan Police, he was detained in Romania on Saturday after the force issued a European Arrest Warrant.

O'Brien will need to be extradited from Romania to be questioned by UK authorities.


Image: Josh Hanson died at the scene of the knife attack in west London

The Josh Hanson Trust, a charity set up after Mr Hanson's death, has tweeted its thanks for the investigating officer DCI Noel McHugh.

"I have just been informed now by our investigation team that Shane O' Brien has been detained by the authorities in Romania.

"I would like to thank DCI Noel McHugh and his team for their support," the account wrote, adding: "Love you Josh."

Hello everyone I hope you are all well.



I have just been informed now by our investigation team that Shane O’ Brien has been detained by the authorities in Romania.

I would like to thank DCI Noel McHugh and his team for their support.

Love you Josh 💙🙏🏻😇 #justiceforjoshhanson pic.twitter.com/EQXuruhqfC — The Josh Hanson Trust (@JusticeForJoshH) March 23, 2019

The head of international operations for the National Crime Agency, Ian Cruxton, said: "O'Brien has spent several years looking over his shoulder as he has been at the centre of an extensive operation to track him down.

"I'm delighted that the pressure brought to bear by this has finally resulted in him being captured as a result of close working with the Romanian authorities.

"I hope his arrest offers some comfort to the family and friends of Josh Hanson."

O'Brien is believed to have left the UK on a private jet from Biggin Hill Airport in southeast London shortly after the stabbing.

After landing in Germany, he is believed to have spent time in the Netherlands, Dubai, and more than half a year in Prague.

He is believed to have frequented boxing clubs, gyms and nightclubs.

Police circulated a picture showing O'Brien to have changed his appearance, growing longer hair and a beard.

He also had a new tattoo of an owl holding a skull on his back which covered an older tattoo which read "Shannon 15-04-05".