National manhunt over murders

Police have released the first pictures of twin sisters whose murders could be linked to the killing of an elderly couple on the same day.

Mark Hobson is wanted in connection with the murders of 27-year-old Claire and Diane Sanderson, and a man fitting his description was seen near the old couple's home 25 miles away on Sunday, the day all four were found dead.

Revealing the possible link today, Detective Superintendent Javad Ali said Hobson, 34, a dustman had been Claire's boyfriend and had lived at the one-bedroom flat where the twins' bodies were found in Camblesforth, North Yorkshire, for three months.

Hobson was seen near the flat in the early hours of Sunday, and a man of similar appearance was spotted at 9.15am in Strensall, where the bodies of James and Joan Britton were found two hours later in their home. Mr Ali said the sightings, "together with other evidence recovered from both scenes, indicate the two incidents may well be linked".

Mr Ali said Diane Sanderson was strangled. A post mortem has not established how Claire died, but she was the victim of a "violent assault". Mr Britton, 80, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, died from stab wounds. His wife, 82, suffered a "vicious assault including stab wounds" but a post mortem has not established what killed her.

Police found the twins' bodies, while Mr and Mrs Britton were found by a neighbour. Mr Ali said: "We have not established any previous association between the Brittons and the Sandersons."

The detective renewed his appeal for anyone who has information about Hobson's whereabouts to contact police urgently and reminded the public: "Under no circumstances should they approach him."

The Brittons, who were married for 58 years, have two daughters - Anne, 54, and Catherine, 49. Today, the twins' parents George and Jacqueline Sanderson were being comforted by police at their home in the village of East Cowick.

Mr Ali said Hobson had been dating Claire Sanderson for "some time" since splitting up from his wife, Kay.

Deputy Chief Constable Roger Baker said the search for Hobson was now a national manhunt, as details of the suspect were distributed to forces across the UK. Mr Baker said more than 100 North Yorkshire Police are working on the case along with dedicated forensic teams and criminal profilers.

Mr Baker said: " Murders are very rare in North Yorkshire, so to have two double murders is unheard of.

"I want to reassure the public we're doing everything possible to bring this person or these persons responsible for these murders to justice as quickly and as safely as possible."

Police confirmed "some weapons" had been recovered from the murder scenes but refused to give further details.

Hobson is described as 5ft 9in tall, of slim build, with a shaven, balding head and a two-inch scar near his left eye.