A serial sex offender who absconded from an open prison has been arrested after three days on the run.

Gary Butcher was serving a life sentence for aggravated burglary at HMP North Sea Camp in Lincolnshire. The 55-year-old also has multiple convictions for sex attacks on women.

He was arrested in the Swadlincote area of Derbyshire just before 11.30pm on Friday after approaching an officer and handing himself in.

Butcher absconded from the prison on Tuesday and will now be returned to a closed prison while investigations continue.

A 56-year-old man was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of assisting an offender and remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Rachael Cox said: “Following a round-the-clock investigation to bring Butcher into custody, I’m pleased to be able to say that we have now apprehended this man.

“At this stage, we don’t believe he’s committed further offences.

“Our appeal has had huge support from the public, and we’re very grateful for that, and would like to say thank you to everyone who shared our appeal or provided information.

“This was very much a collaborative effort with our officers and staff working tirelessly with neighbouring forces and partner agencies to apprehend Butcher.”

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