Arsonist David Blagdon, who has been recaptured and returned to prison after absconding, has said he will go on a hunger strike.

The 50-year-old, above, was recaptured on Monday night at the home of his girlfriend, Melanie Lancashire, more than three days after he failed to return to Sudbury Prison, Derbyshire.

Last night Miss Lancashire, 36, from Alfreton, Derbyshire, said: "He turned up out of the blue and gave me a big hug.

David Blagdon "I didn't feel uncomfortable or scared with him because he's lovely to me. It was a horrible situation though, seeing him handcuffed.

"I wish he hadn't done it because he'll be moved to a higher security prison and it will take longer for him to get out. He just wants to live a normal life."

Hours before the fugitive was rearrested, Blagdon contacted the Oxford Mail to speak with chief feature writer George Frew.

He said that he was in Oxford and, when this was confirmed, we tried to tell Thames Valley Police.

But, as we reported yesterday, after a succession of phone calls during which we were delayed in handing over the information, Blagdon had begun his journey to Derbyshire.

A Home Office spokesman said that Blagdon was back behind bars.

He has not been returned to Sudbury and it is unlikely that the arsonist - jailed for life in 1978 for setting fire to curtains at St Laurence's Church, South Hinksey - is now in an open jail.

His solicitor, Anita Bromley, has said that he intends to go on a hunger strike until he is released.