MADRID Spanish police said Saturday they had arrested Pasquale Belsito, an Italian sought for armed attacks in Italy and France, and whom they described as the "most wanted extreme right-wing terrorist in Europe."

Police said Belsito put up fierce resistance to his arrest, which took place overnight Friday at the Moncloa bus station in western Madrid.

Belsito, also known by the nickname "Primula Nera" (Black Flower), has been on the run for 21 years and according to AFP is notably wanted for the killing of Italian prosecutor Antonio Amato and several police officers in Italy.

A member of the Revolutionary Armed Cells (NAR), he is also wanted in France for the attempted murders of several policemen.

Condemned in his absence to life imprisonment in both Italy and France, Belsito, 39, also rented out his services during the wars in the former Yugoslavia.

Considered a legend in extreme right-wing circles, he has been spotted over the years in France, Britain, the Netherlands, Croatia, as well as Lebanon and various South American countries.

Spanish Police said he could rely on the support of numerous extremist groups, particularly in Britain.

Belsito's arrest was the result of a joint effort by Spanish and Italian investigators, added the police.