Fugitive arrested at Rotherham family barbecue after two-year manhunt

A MAN from Rotherham was arrested and charged with firearms offences after he was tracked down at a family barbecue after almost two years on the run, investigators said.

The National Crime Agency said Wayne Williams (35) had been arrested last month by their Yorkshire and Humber Regional Joint Border Disruption Unit at an address in Rotherham where he was attending the outdoor event.

A spokesperson said: “The NCA believe he was involved in the attempted importation of gun parts through the postal system in August 2021 which, when assembled, could make a semi-automatic pistol capable of firing 18 bullets.

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“The gun had been stolen in the US in 2018.”

A wanted appeal was issued for Williams in November 2021 seeking information on his whereabouts from the public.

Williams, of no fixed abode, was charged with attempting to access a prohibited weapon, being knowingly concerned in an attempt to import a prohibited weapon and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

He was remanded until to appear at Sheffield Crown Court next Thursday.

NCA branch commander Richard Harrison said: “This arrest comes as a result of an intelligence-led operation which shows the NCA will continue to target and track down anyone believed to be involved in firearms trafficking.

“Tackling the criminal trade in firearms is an NCA priority, and we work with partners at home and abroad to protect the public by striving to prevent guns reaching the streets.”