A US teenager who allegedly stole cars, boats and airplanes to dodge US law enforcement for two years was finally captured yesterday in the Bahamas, bringing an end to exploits that made the “Barefoot Bandit” a folk hero.

A US teenager who allegedly stole cars, boats and planes to dodge US law enforcement for two years was finally captured today in the Bahamas, bringing an end to exploits that made the “Barefoot Bandit” a folk hero.

Hundreds of people fled their homes and took refuge in shelters set up in schools and churches today as Hurricane Jeanne bore down on the Bahamas with 100mph winds and torrential rains, threatening more destruction to an island chain still recovering from Hurricane Frances.

Bloated bodies and weeping relatives filled mortuaries today as Tropical Storm Jeanne killed more than 570 Haitians with the toll expected to rise.