After an international manhunt, National Crime Agency officers have arrested a man in Leeds in connection with the murder of a man on the Costa Del Sol.

The suspect, a 21-year-old British man, was apprehended by armed NCA officers near the Crown Point Shopping area of the city.

The suspect fled to the UK after 19-year-old Ulrich Perez was stabbed in an alleged road rage incident in Estepona on 18 November.

The victim was almost run over by a car at a pedestrian crossing and the driver, who had initially left the scene, returned a few minutes later and stabbed the victim in the heart. The attack happened in broad daylight outside the victim’s home.

A European Arrest Warrant was issued for the suspect’s arrest and NCA officers, working closely with Spanish National Police in Estepona, detained him on Tuesday [22 December]. He remains in custody awaiting extradition.

Paul Owen, Operations Manager at the NCA, said: “We are pleased to have been part of catching a suspected killer and bringing some sense of justice for the victim’s family.

“The NCA works closely with international partners to ensure that nowhere is a safe haven for suspected criminals - no matter where you hide, the authorities will catch up with you and you will face justice.”

24 December 2020