Sisters died in 'vicious' attack

Police are warning the public not to approach Mark Hobson

Two women, believed to be sisters, who were found dead at a flat in a North Yorkshire village had been "viciously assaulted", detectives say.

The body of Claire Sanderson, 27, was found at the flat in Camblesforth, near Selby, on Sunday morning.

Police believe the second body is that of her twin sister, Diane. Post-mortem examinations are set for Wednesday.

Police also said they wanted to find a man who lived at the flat, Mark Hobson, in connection with the killings.

Suspect 'dangerous'

Det Supt Javad Ali, who is leading the murder investigation, said the victims were thought to be sisters in their 20s.

"It is apparent that both women had been victims of a vicious assault," he added.

The detective said police wanted to question 34-year-old Mr Hobson in connection with the deaths.

"His present whereabouts are not known and police inquiries have so far failed to locate him. We are appealing for him to contact the police as a matter of urgency.

Police investigate the crime scene in Millfield Drive

"We believe that Hobson may pose a risk to members of the public and we strongly advise people not to approach him. If you believe you have seen him, please contact the police immediately."

Mr Hobson is white, 5ft 9ins tall, of slim build, with a shaven, balding head and a two-inch scar around his left eye.

"Every North Yorkshire police officer is looking for this person and I give the public my guarantee that we will spare no effort to ensure their safety," Det Supt Ali added.

A neighbour said screaming had been heard at the flat on the night the two women died.

"We were really shocked. My wife said she heard screaming in the night but didn't think anything of it. There was always a lot of arguing going on round there."

The neighbour said he was awoken on Sunday morning by police who searched his garden for evidence and sealed off the area for most of the day.