Two arrests have been made in the hunt for serial sex offender Gary Butcher – (ID 526156)

Butcher, 55, was arrested by a Derbyshire Constabulary officer at 11.39 a.m. this morning in the Derbyshire village of swadlincote/">Swadlincote after approaching the officer to hand himself in. He is still in police custody.

Butcher escaped from the HMP North Sea Camp in Boston on May 31st and is currently serving a life sentence for aggravated burglary.

A 56-year-old man was also arrested last night on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with the abduction and is still being held by police.

"Following a round-the-clock investigation to bring Butcher into custody, I'm pleased to say that we have now apprehended this man," said Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Rachael Cox.

"At this time, we do not believe he has committed any additional offences."

Our appeal has received overwhelming public support, for which we are grateful. We would also like to thank everyone who shared our appeal or provided information. It was a team effort, with our officers and staff working tirelessly with neighbouring forces and partner agencies to apprehend Butcher.