Double murder suspect caught by chance

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A man suspected of killing two people in their own homes was arrested by British police after an off-duty officer spotted him by chance last night.

James Allen, 35, was wanted in connection with the murder of Julie Davison, 50, in Whitby, North Yorkshire, and Colin Dunford, 81, in Middlesbrough.

Yesterday, police released footage from last week of Allen to encourage witnesses to come forward.

Detectives also revealed that Allen, originally from Blackpool, has previous convictions for violence.

Sightings were reported across the Cleveland and North Yorkshire areas. More than 100 detectives were working on the case.

Sky News reported that Allen was arrested in south Leeds after an officer, who was travelling to work, saw a man fitting his description.

Allen knew Dunford, who was last seen alive a week ago and was bludgeoned to death at his home. Allen lived next door until about a year ago. Detectives saw no sign of forced entry.

It is not thought Allen knew Davison, who was found dead by her sister in Whitby on Thursday. She had suffered head injuries. Detectives said robbery was a possible motive but stressed that investigators were keeping an open mind.Independent