A fugitive and his mother who were on the run for six years have finally been caught after police put out a tongue-in-cheek Valentine's Day appeal. 

Sussex Police issued a series of romantic messages offering £500 for information leading to the arrest of four criminals, including Callum Gower, now 27. 

The post, made by the force in 2018, read: 'Where is our lost love from Hastings and Rye Callum Gower?

Police wrote in the appeal: 'All we wanted was to spend some quality time with people who've been trying to avoid us lately.

'Can you play cupid and help us secure a date with some of the county's most wanted people? There's every chance it will be back to our place for coffee!

Sussex Police issued a series of romantic messages offering £500 for information leading to the arrest of four criminals, including Callum Gower, now 27 (pictured)

'We will be appealing for those who have broken our hearts to meet us for the date they owe us.'

The plan appears to have worked, with Gower, who was wanted in connection with assault and drug offences, and his mother, Caroline Sevier, 51, being arrested in Cape Town in February. They have both been in custody since then. 

A judge refused to give them bail, telling them they were flight risks. Gower is set to return to court on May 23 when his extradition to the UK will be finalised, while Sevier is set to learn of her fate today. 

A South African police source told the Sun: 'Despite Mr Gower being very late for his date, Sussex Police are keen to rekindle the romance and move on. 

'They hope to spend at least a couple of years together this time.'