Salford born, Cheshire hunted — and finally cornered.
Jamie Rothwell, aged 34 from Salford, Greater Manchester, spent several tense days abroad after Cheshire detectives issued a European Arrest Warrant. But in daring coordination with international partners, authorities closed the net faster than he’d hoped.
On 24 April at around 8.50 pm, a 55‑year‑old man was shot in the leg in Orford, Cheshire, suffering life‑changing injuries. Rothwell was swiftly identified as a prime suspect and became wanted for a string of serious offences.
Nine alleged crimes
He faces two counts of conspiring to possess firearms with intent to endanger life, and two counts of conspiring to commit grievous bodily harm with intent. On top of the violent charges, Rothwell is accused of conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, ketamine and cannabis, as well as acquiring criminal property.
The Arrest
Just days after the warrant was issued, Rothwell was found travelling by taxi in Amsterdam, where officers from the Dutch National Police swooped in. The operation was masterminded by the UK’s NCA National Firearms Targeting Centre, Cheshire Police, Greater Manchester Police, and their Dutch counterparts.
Cheshire’s Detective Chief Inspector Mike Evans stated:
> “Following an international search, he was located and detained within days of us securing the European Arrest Warrant. This sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue those suspected of being involved in organised crime who travel abroad in the hope that it puts them out of the reach of UK law enforcement.”
Rob Hickinbottom, head of the NCA’s National Firearms Targeting Centre, added:
> “Any arrest of a fugitive over extremely serious allegations is a great result… the speed of this successful operation is testament to what the NCA—and our partners at home and abroad—can achieve.”
Now held in Dutch custody, Rothwell awaits extradition to the UK to face the full weight of the charges against him
Seen ‘Operation Dark Phone: Murder by Text.
Watch it here on Channel 4: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/operation-dark-phone-murder-by-text/
