'Crimewatch Roadshow' tracks down rapist

A convicted rapist on the run since May 2007 has been brought to justice following an appeal on new BBC One daytime series Crimewatch Roadshow.

Crimewatch Roadshow launched on Monday morning presented by Rav Wilding and Miriam O'Reilly, who returned to the BBC after winning a landmark age discrimination case against the corporation in January.

Police in Liverpool asked the programme for help in tracking down Turkish national Tolgay Istek, who was convicted in absence of raping a woman in 2007, but was believed to still be in the UK.

After running an appeal on yesterday's programme, two viewers called in and reported Istek as being in a café in London. Within just four hours after transmission, he was in custody and is due to be sentenced today.

In a live interview on today's Crimewatch Roadshow, detective sergeant Simon Fitzpatrick said: "Following the programme yesterday, we received some excellent information from members of the public who were able to identify the whereabouts of the offender.

"This enabled me to co-ordinate a response with the Metropolitan Police, who attended the café in London where they arrested the male. It's excellent news for the victim, who I contacted shortly after the arrest. She is absolutely thrilled he's been caught."

Rav Wilding, presenter of Crimewatch Roadshow said that it was "great to get a result within days of going to air".

Liam Keelan, the controller of BBC Daytime, added: "This is exactly the kind of success story which makes Crimewatch Roadshow such an important part of the daytime schedule. I'm really pleased we were able to give the police such an important lead, so quickly."

Crimewatch Roadshow airs live every day, with Wilding presenting reconstructions from the studio and O'Reilly filing reports from around the UK. The show runs until July 1.