A FORMER Littleborough fireman, once listed as one of the UK’s most wanted criminals, is believed to have been arrested in Mexico.

Andrew Eden, who was jailed six years ago for molesting a child, vanished after being released from prison in 2003.

Eden, formerly of Whitelees Road, Littleborough, was placed on the sex offenders’ register and ordered to notify police of his address.

But when he failed to do so a manhunt was launched and in April last year the Observer published an appeal for his whereabouts.

Speaking at the time Detective Chief Inspector Carol Ashworth, of Greater Manchester Police’s public protection section, said: "Eden has a history of being a risk to children and we are keen to find out where he is so he can be monitored and avoid any more children being put in danger."

His details were also posted on a website run by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, which helps track down missing convicts.

In 2005 three cash withdrawals were made under his name in Mexico and he is also thought to have lived across the UK and Northern Ireland.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "GMP has been informed that a 48-year-old man, wanted for failing to comply with notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, has been arrested in Mexico. The man was arrested on 13 September.

"Negotiation is currently underway between the British and Mexican Embassies to see if an extradition will be possible."