CCTV: Whitby double murder suspect James Allen arrested in Leeds

A MAN being hunted by police after he was suspected of killing two people in their own homes was arrested today.

James Allen, 36, was arrested in south Leeds at 7.20am and is being held on suspicion of murder in connection with the deaths of Colin Dunford, in Middlesbrough, and Julie Davison, in Whitby.

Cleveland Police and North Yorkshire Police issued an urgent appeal to find Allen following the murders.

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Today, a Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “A 36-year-old man has been arrested in south Leeds at around 7.20am today on suspicion of murder in connection with both incidents and inquiries are ongoing.

“Cleveland Police and North Yorkshire Police would like to thank members of the public for their support in this matter.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said Allen was arrested on Crown Point Road after an off-duty officer saw a man fitting his description.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “An off-duty officer travelling to work this morning saw a man fitting the description of James Allen on Crown Point Road in Leeds.

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“They called for colleagues in support who arrived quickly and an arrest was made.

“We would like to thank all members of the community who have been contacting us to assist in this matter.”

A murder investigation was launched after the death of 81-year-old Mr Dunford, who was found dead at his terraced house in Leven Street, Middlesbrough, on Monday.

A post-mortem examination on Mr Dunford, who was last seen alive at around 5pm last Sunday, showed he had suffered serious head injuries as a result of a significant assault.

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Detectives said there was no sign of forced entry at the house.

Ms Davison, 50, who lived alone, was found dead by her sister at her rented flat in Church Square on Wednesday. She had also suffered serious head injuries, police said.

Allen, who is originally from Blackpool, is believed to have known Mr Dunford when he lived next door to him in Leven Street about a year ago but it is not thought Allen knew Ms Davison.

Police linked the two deaths on Thursday and three forces joined the hunt for Allen, with more than 100 detectives working on the case, after sightings of the suspect were reported in Leeds on Friday.

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Yesterday, police also released CCTV images taken of Allen in Scarborough during the week.

The pictures showed Allen in a cash exchange in the seaside town on Tuesday and Wednesday and in a sports shop on Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference at Cleveland Police headquarters, in Middlesbrough, temporary Detective Chief Superintendent Gordon Lang praised the officer who spotted Allen for an “excellent piece of police work”.

Describing this morning’s arrest, Mr Lang said: “Just after seven o’clock this morning in Leeds an off-duty police officer saw a man. His suspicions were raised around this man, he took up observations, maintained observations, called for assistance. That assistance arrived and, after a short foot chase, that man was arrested.”

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He added: “I have to say what an excellent piece of police work by an off-duty police officer.”

Mr Lang said the officer was on his way to work in his car when he saw Allen.

The senior detective also asked people to check on their neighbours if they had not seen them recently.

He said they had no information that Allen had committed any other offences but added: “Please check on people, friends, relatives and let’s make sure everybody’s OK.”

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He added: “In this inquiry we’re investigating two deaths. Without a doubt, this is a dangerous man so I think it’s prudent to ensure everybody’s safe and well.”

Mr Lang issued a further appeal for anyone with information about the route taken by Allen to come forward.

He said the mountain bike used by Allen at the beginning of the week had been found on Thursday in Scarborough and they did not know how he had travelled to Leeds.

“It’s important we fill in those gaps,” he said.

“We continue to appeal for sightings on what has been a journey. A journey that started on Monday April 23 in Middlesbrough, on Tuesday and Wednesday last week, Whitby and Scarborough, Thursday and Friday in Leeds, culminating in this morning’s arrest.

“We are still looking for sightings and information, particularly over the last couple of days in the Leeds area.”

Mr Lang said Allen would now be questioned in West Yorkshire.