Tip off leads to capture of multiple murder suspect

Mark Hobson, the man whom police were seeking in connection with four murders in northern England, has been arrested.

North Yorkshire police had been trying to trace the 34-year-old former binman for a week prior to his arrest. He was wanted in connection with the murders of 27-year-old twins, Claire and Diane Sanderson in Selby, and the murders of retired couple James and Joan Britton in Strensall.

Acting on a tip off, detectives found Mr Hobson in a field in Shipton-by-Beningborough at 3.43pm yesterday afternoon. He was arrested on suspicion of murdering Claire and Diane Sanderson and James and Joan Britton, North Yorkshire police confirmed.

The double murders suspect was subsequently held overnight at Harrowgate Hospital for treatment to a stomach injury. It has been reported that he has not yet been formally charged.

The bodies of the Sanderson sisters were found by police on July 18 after they were called to Mr Hobson's residence in Camblesforth, in Selby. Claire Sanderson had been Mr Hobson's girlfriend.

The bodies of 80-year-old James Britton and his 82-year-old wife Joan were found in the downstairs of their home in Strensall Road, Strensall, on July 18 – two hours after the bodies of the Sanderson sisters were discovered.

At a press conference yesterday at Fulford Road Police Station, York, Deputy Chief Constable Roger Baker paid tribute to the public for their "magnificent help".

He added: “Finally, I would like to say that the thoughts of all of us are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.”

(gmcg)