James Allen manhunt: Double murder suspect urged to surrender

A man suspected of killing two people in their own homes has been urged to give himself up by police.

James Allen, 35, is being sought by police in Cleveland and North Yorkshire in connection with two separate deaths.

The body of Colin Dunford, 81, was found in Middlesbrough on Monday. Julie Davison, 50, was found dead in her home in Whitby on Wednesday.

Officers said they were investigating potential sightings of Mr Allen in the north east of England and Yorkshire.

Mr Allen is described as 5ft 7in (1.74m) tall, with a bald head and tattoos on both arms.

Det Ch Supt Gordon Lang, of Cleveland Police, said Mr Allen had previous convictions for violence and had served a custodial sentence.

He said: "We are investigating a number of sightings that have been reported to us, including sightings in the Harehills area of Leeds, and I would repeat our message in urging members of the public if you see James Allen to call 999 immediately.

"If you know where he is now, call us. James, if you are reading this, give yourself up, it is only a matter of time before we find you."

Mr Dunford, who was last seen alive at around 17:00 BST on Sunday, had suffered serious head injuries as a result of a significant assault according to a post-mortem examination.

He was found dead at his terrace house in Leven Street, Middlesbrough, on Monday.

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, police said.

Detectives said Mr Allen had known Mr Dunford but did not believe he knew Ms Davison.

More than 100 detectives from the Cleveland and North Yorkshire police forces are working on the investigation.