Published: Thursday, 4th February, 2010 11:00am

Dramatic arrest as suspects attempts to flee

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A MAN, wanted in connection with crimes in the Royal Borough, was dramatically arrested after trying to escape officers by scaling a roof.

Ben Layton of Maidenhead, who was in hiding at a property in Chalvey, found himself surrounded by the police on Wednesday afternoon.

The 27-year-old, who is wanted in connection with burglary and thefts from vehicles, climbed onto the roof of the house in Martin Road as officers attempted to arrest him.

It was only after negotiations with the officers on the ground and smoking a cigarette that he agreed to climb back into the house and was arrested 45 minutes later at 1.54pm.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I saw the police surround the house and there was a lot of noise. I think they went through the back door to make the arrest but it took a while before they actually managed to get him out of the house. I never saw him get onto the roof but it did sound as though there was a struggle."

Thames Valley Police was tipped off by a member of the public after making an appeal to trace Layton and Adam Neigbour of Windsor, who was wanted for the same offences, through the Observer's sister paper The Midweek and website.

Supt Tim De Meyer, local police commander for the Royal Borough, said: "I am pleased that Layton is now in custody, and that the incident was resolved safely. I would like to thank the community for their support in tracing Layton."

Neigbour, 23, was arrested in Windsor on Tuesday (2/2), the pair have both been recalled to prison having re-offended whilst out on licence.