Menu
21/07/2004
Armed police swoop in search for double murder suspect
Police searching for a man linked to four murders in north Yorkshire have raided two addresses in Selby, the BBC has reported today.
Acting on information, armed police raided an address in New Millgate at around 3am and then swooped on a house in Abbots Road around two hours later.
North Yorkshire police are attempting to trace Mark Richard Hobson, 34, who lived at an address in Millfield Drive, Camblesforth, near Selby. He is 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.
The bodies of the sisters were found by police on Sunday morning after they were called to Mr Hobson's residence in Millfield Drive. Claire Sanderson had been Mr Hobson's girlfriend.
Post mortem examinations revealed that Diane died as a result of strangulation and had sustained a number of injuries to her body. An initial post mortem examination on Claire Sanderson has not yet determined the cause of death, but police confirmed that she had been subjected to a "violent assault".
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 Sunday morning – two hours after the bodies of the Sanderson sisters were discovered.
Post mortem examinations have established that Mr Britton died as result of stab wounds. He had also sustained other injuries as a result of a severe beating. Mrs Britton had also been subjected to a vicious assault including stab wounds, but the initial result of the post mortem has not yet established exact cause of death.
Police described the couple as "frail and harmless" who had lived in the area for many years.
Speaking at a Press conference in York yesterday, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Javad Ali, said that they had not established any previous association between the Brittons and the Sandersons.
However, there were possible sightings of a man whose description is similar to that of Mark Hobson in the Strensall area at 9.15 that Sunday morning.
“This together with other evidence recovered from both scenes indicates that the two incidents may well be linked," Det Sup Ali said.
Deputy Chief Constable Roger Baker said: “Murders are very rare in North Yorkshire and to have two double murders like this, is unheard of. Let me make it clear that we are doing everything we can to find the person or persons responsible for these two horrific incidents as quickly and safely as possible.
“To that end, it is imperative that we find Mark Hobson and I am personally asking for your help and the help of the public to find him.”
Mr Hobson is described as white, 5’ 9” tall, slim build, with a shaven, balding head and with a two-inch scar above his left eye. When last seen he was wearing a coffee coloured jacket, white T-shirt and blue jeans.
Police have warned that Mr Hobson may pose a risk to members of the public and people are strongly advised not to approach him.
If anyone knows of Mr Hobson's whereabouts they are asked to contact the Incident Room on 01904 669651 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(gmcg)
Acting on information, armed police raided an address in New Millgate at around 3am and then swooped on a house in Abbots Road around two hours later.
North Yorkshire police are attempting to trace Mark Richard Hobson, 34, who lived at an address in Millfield Drive, Camblesforth, near Selby. He is 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.
The bodies of the sisters were found by police on Sunday morning after they were called to Mr Hobson's residence in Millfield Drive. Claire Sanderson had been Mr Hobson's girlfriend.
Post mortem examinations revealed that Diane died as a result of strangulation and had sustained a number of injuries to her body. An initial post mortem examination on Claire Sanderson has not yet determined the cause of death, but police confirmed that she had been subjected to a "violent assault".
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 Sunday morning – two hours after the bodies of the Sanderson sisters were discovered.
Post mortem examinations have established that Mr Britton died as result of stab wounds. He had also sustained other injuries as a result of a severe beating. Mrs Britton had also been subjected to a vicious assault including stab wounds, but the initial result of the post mortem has not yet established exact cause of death.
Police described the couple as "frail and harmless" who had lived in the area for many years.
Speaking at a Press conference in York yesterday, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Javad Ali, said that they had not established any previous association between the Brittons and the Sandersons.
However, there were possible sightings of a man whose description is similar to that of Mark Hobson in the Strensall area at 9.15 that Sunday morning.
“This together with other evidence recovered from both scenes indicates that the two incidents may well be linked," Det Sup Ali said.
Deputy Chief Constable Roger Baker said: “Murders are very rare in North Yorkshire and to have two double murders like this, is unheard of. Let me make it clear that we are doing everything we can to find the person or persons responsible for these two horrific incidents as quickly and safely as possible.
“To that end, it is imperative that we find Mark Hobson and I am personally asking for your help and the help of the public to find him.”
Mr Hobson is described as white, 5’ 9” tall, slim build, with a shaven, balding head and with a two-inch scar above his left eye. When last seen he was wearing a coffee coloured jacket, white T-shirt and blue jeans.
Police have warned that Mr Hobson may pose a risk to members of the public and people are strongly advised not to approach him.
If anyone knows of Mr Hobson's whereabouts they are asked to contact the Incident Room on 01904 669651 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2004
Police begin questioning multiple murder suspect
Police have begun questioning multiple murder suspect Mark Hobson after he was released from hospital earlier today. Mark Hobson, the man whom police were seeking in connection with four murders in northern England, was arrested on Sunday afternoon.
Police begin questioning multiple murder suspect
Police have begun questioning multiple murder suspect Mark Hobson after he was released from hospital earlier today. Mark Hobson, the man whom police were seeking in connection with four murders in northern England, was arrested on Sunday afternoon.
26 July 2004
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.
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.
28 July 2004
Police questioning murder suspect granted extension
Police holding murder suspect Mark Hobson have been given more time to continue their questioning. Mr Hobson was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of murdering 27-year-old twins, Claire and Diane Sanderson in Selby, and the murders of retired couple James and Joan Britton in Strensall.
Police questioning murder suspect granted extension
Police holding murder suspect Mark Hobson have been given more time to continue their questioning. Mr Hobson was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of murdering 27-year-old twins, Claire and Diane Sanderson in Selby, and the murders of retired couple James and Joan Britton in Strensall.
30 July 2004
Multiple murder accused appears in court
A 34-year-old man has been appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court this morning charged with the murders of four people in north Yorkshire. Mark Hobson has been charged with the murders of 27-year-old twins, Claire and Diane Sanderson. He is accused of killing his girlfriend Claire Sanderson on July 7, and her sister Diane on July 17.
Multiple murder accused appears in court
A 34-year-old man has been appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court this morning charged with the murders of four people in north Yorkshire. Mark Hobson has been charged with the murders of 27-year-old twins, Claire and Diane Sanderson. He is accused of killing his girlfriend Claire Sanderson on July 7, and her sister Diane on July 17.
11 June 2013
Riot Police Deployed As G8 Protesters Occupy Former Police Station
Some 100 riot police have been deployed in central London as protestors take to the streets to demonstrate ahead on the G8 summit being held in Northern Ireland next week. Officers were sent to Soho, where protesters are thought to have occupied a former police station on Beak Street.
Riot Police Deployed As G8 Protesters Occupy Former Police Station
Some 100 riot police have been deployed in central London as protestors take to the streets to demonstrate ahead on the G8 summit being held in Northern Ireland next week. Officers were sent to Soho, where protesters are thought to have occupied a former police station on Beak Street.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
