Police arrest double murder suspect
A man being hunted by police after he was suspected of killing two people in their own homes is under arrest.
An off-duty police officer driving into work spotted suspect James Allen walking down the street in south Leeds early Sunday.
“They called for colleagues in support who arrived quickly and an arrest was made,” Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom, of West Yorkshire Police, said:
Allen, who turned 36 today, had been spotted in Leeds on Friday and the sighting was confirmed via CCTV footage. Police consider him dangerous and had asked the public not to approach him.
He is wanted over the brutal murders of his former neighbour Colin Dunford, 81, in Middlesbrough, and Julie Davison, 50, in Whitby, North Yorkshire.
Allen, originally from Blackpool, knew Mr Dunford when he lived next door to him in Leven Street, Middlesbrough about a year ago. The victim was found dead at his terraced house on Monday and a post-mortem examination showed he had suffered serious head injuries.
Robbery suspected
Detectives said there was no sign of forced entry at the house.
Ms Davison, 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.
It is not thought Allen knew Ms Davison, and detectives said the suspect could have tricked his way into her home.
Mr Lang said robbery was a possible motive behind the attacks, but stressed he was keeping an open mind.
Allen was on bail for an undisclosed offence at the time of the murders and had been in contact with the probation services. He had previously served a prison sentence for another violent crime and was also being investigated for other alleged offences.