Christopher Guest More Jr: One of Britain's most wanted fugitives arrested in Malta over alleged torture and murder

'We have waited a long, long time for this moment,' says National Crime Agency

Christopher Guest More Jr, 41, was on Europe's most wanted list (PA)

One of Britain’s most wanted fugitives has been arrested over the alleged murder of a father in front of his two children 16 years ago.

Former journalist Christopher Guest More Jr, 41, left the UK shortly after the death of Brian Waters at a remote farm in Cheshire on 19 June 2003.

Mr More was detained in Malta on an European arrest warrant on Thursday following a joint operation between the National Crime Agency and Maltese authorities.

He is now facing extradition back to the UK to stand trial.

Three men have already been convicted of Mr Waters’ murder. Former undercover BBC researchers James Raven, 60, Otis Matthews, 41, and John Wilson, 69, are all serving life sentences.

The trial at Chester Crown Court in 2004 heard the 44-year-old victim was killed at Burnt House Farm in Tabley, near Knutsford, in a row over a drugs debt.

He suffered a total of 123 injuries during a three-hour ordeal, which involved being whipped, burned, hung upside down, beaten and sexually assaulted with an iron bar.

His son Gavin was also attacked and his 21 year-old daughter Natalie was held at gunpoint and forced to watch.

Mr More was added to Europe’s most wanted list in April and is wanted for questioning in connection with Mr Waters’ death, the attempted murder of a second man and the false imprisonment and assault of other victims at the scene.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said Mr More was arrested in the Swieqi area of northern Malta.

Graham Roberts, NCA regional manager, said: “We are utterly delighted that after almost 16 years on the run, hiding from law enforcement, Christopher Guest More Jr has been arrested and will now have to return to the UK.

“More Jr featured on the very successful Operation Captura fugitives hunt and, out of 96 fugitives, there are now just 12 evading justice.

“The NCA has supported Cheshire Constabulary with their investigation, using some of our specialist capabilities and our international network of officers, in his pursuit.

“We have waited a long, long time for this moment. We were never going to give up in the hunt. Other fugitives should really look at this and remember how tenacious UK law enforcement is.”

Mr More appeared in court in the Maltese capital, Valetta, on Saturday and was remanded in custody until his next hearing on Monday.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Burton, from Cheshire Constabulary, said: “Our determination to find Christopher Guest More Jr has not faltered and, over the years, we have remained committed to locating him.

“This latest development highlights the close working relationship between Cheshire Constabulary and the NCA, along with law enforcement agencies abroad, and I would like to thank colleagues for all of their assistance.

“I would also like to thank members of the public for all of their support and information provided on the back of our appeals.”

The BBC previously confirmed Mr More worked for the broadcaster as researcher on a freelance basis alongside undercover reporter Donal MacIntrye.

Mr More’s cousin Raven worked on programmes including the BBC’s MacIntyre Uncovered and Crooked Britain, as well as Channel 4’s Sleepers, infiltrating gangs involved in car crime, drugs and counterfeiting.

Additional reporting by PA