Murderer held in Spain after 17 months on the run

William Hunter was arrested by Guardia Civil officers in Alicante

A British man convicted of stabbing his roommate to death in Portugal has been arrested in Spain following a huge manhunt.

William Hunter was given a 16-year prison sentence in 2023 for murdering 22-year-old Elliot Mulligan, from Croxteth in Liverpool, in an Albufeira apartment in April 2022.

The now 34-year-old lodged an appeal against the Portuguese court's judgement and, while awaiting the outcome, was released on bail in April 2024.

The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) said Hunter was arrested by Guardia Civil officers in Alicante on 15 September after 17 months on the run. Portuguese authorities will now seek the killer's extradition so that he can serve the remainder of his jail sentence.

Hunter remains in custody in Spain pending extradition proceedings

Hunter's arrest comes after a co-ordinated operation between NCA officers, the Guardia Civil, Portuguese Judicial Police, and Merseyside Police.

Hunter, from Liverpool, was convicted of murder in May 2023.

He was released on bail 11 months later - while waiting for news of his appeal - due to him reaching the custodial time limit for remand prisoners.

The convicted killer breached his bail conditions and fled, prompting a major multi-agency manhunt.

Hunter remains in custody in Spain while extradition proceedings continue.

Merseyside Police is providing support to Mr Mulligan's family.

'Behind bars'

Gill Duggan, of the NCA, said: "Above all, our thoughts remain with Elliot's family, who have endured an unimaginable loss and the painful reality that the man responsible had not been held accountable for his violent actions.

"Our pursuit of Hunter was relentless, driven by a deep commitment to securing justice for those who love Elliot.

"With thanks to our partners at Merseyside Police and in Spain and Portugal, Hunter is behind bars where he belongs, and where he will remain for a long time to come."

Det Supt Mark Drew, of Merseyside Police, said: "The arrest of William Hunter was part of a joint operation between Merseyside Police, NCA, Guardia Civil's fugitive team and Portuguese Judicial Police.

"We are committed to working with our partners to capture those that evade law enforcement and bring them to justice.

"We will continue to support Elliot's family.

"As they finally see justice being done after their tragic loss, we hope that the arrest of William Hunter brings them some comfort."