Tributes paid to murdered pensioner

James Allen, 36, is still being questioned by officers after the bodies of Colin Dunford, 81, from Middlesbrough, and Julie Davison, 50, from Whitby, North Yorkshire, were found at their homes last week. Both victims, who lived alone, had suffered head injuries.

Yesterday Cleveland Police issued a tribute to Mr Dunford, who was a daily visitor at Samuelsons Working Man’s Club over the road from his home in Leven Street.

It was his absence from the club that triggered the search which led to the discovery of his body.

A force spokeswoman said: “Close friends of Colin have stated he was a true gentleman; he was a caring man and a good friend.

“He was a local man and was well known in his local pub, Sammy’s Club, where he was well thought of by fellow patrons.

“He will be sadly missed.”

Ms Davison’s devastated family has already released a statement which said: “She was one of the kindest people you could ever wish to know and went out of her way to help others. She did not deserve to die in such terrible circumstances.”

Cleveland Police officers were granted more time to question Allen on Monday night. He was arrested on Crown Point Road, Leeds, on Sunday morning after a lengthy manhunt across the region.

He was apprehended after being spotted by an off-duty police officer at around 7am, after previously being sighted in the Harehills area of the city. Officers are continuing to try to trace his movements prior to his arrest.

Originally from Blackpool, he has been living on Teesside in recent years.

Detectives were holding him at a Middlesbrough police station on suspicion of two murders and a sexual assault.