Jumat, 27 April 2012

Police launch huge manhunt after 'two brutal murders' in victims' own homes 25 miles apart

Police launch huge manhunt after 'two brutal murders' in victims' own homes 25 miles apart

  • Reports that police are probing two alleged sightings James Allen in the Middlesbrough area
  • More than 100 officers are now involved in the search
  • He is wanted following the deaths of Colin Dunford, in Middlesbrough on Monday and Julie Davison, in Whitby, North Yorkshire, yesterday
  • Detectives have described the killings as 'two brutal murders in the victims' own homes'

By Chris Brooke

PUBLISHED: 11:40 EST, 26 April 2012 | UPDATED: 04:16 EST, 27 April 2012


Wanted: James Allen, 35, is being urgently sought by police following the separate murders of Colin Dunford, in Middlesbrough, on Monday, and Julie Davison, in Whitby, North Yorkshire, yesterday

Wanted: James Allen, 35, is being urgently sought by police following the separate murders of Colin Dunford, in Middlesbrough, on Monday, and Julie Davison, in Whitby, North Yorkshire, yesterday

The massive hunt for a man wanted in connection with the murder of a pensioner and a charity worker has focused on a housing estate in Middlesbrough.

Detectives put out a nationwide alert for 35-year-old James Allen after the bodies of Colin Dunford, 81, and Julie Davison, 50, were found in their homes 25 miles apart.

Armed police swooped on a flat in the Pallister Park area of the no rth-east city after cordoning off the entire street.

Cleveland Police confirmed that an 'ongoing operation' was being carried out in the area but would give no further details.

Allen is known to police who have warned the public not to approach him.

Both victims lived alone and were battered over the head in their homes. They were not thought to be known to their suspected killer and may have been chosen at random.

Ex-serviceman Colin Dunford, 81, was found dead at home in Middlesbrough on Monday night.

Then at lunchtime on Wednesday the body of Julie Davison, a 50-year-old mother of one, was discovered by her sister at her flat 20 miles down the coast in Whitby.

There were no signs of a break-in at either address and no clear indication of a motive.

Late yesterday police linked the two murder inquiries and announced they wanted to speak to Allen in connection with the crimes.

More than 150 officers from two forces are working on the double murder.

Police are combing the streets of Middlesbrough in an effort to snare Allen, but fears are growing that he may have fled the city and could be at large anywhere in the country.

Temporary Detective Chief Superintendent Gordon Lang, of Cleveland Police, said: ‘We now believe the Middlesbrough murder is linked to the murder that took place in Whitby. Two brutal murders in the victims’ own homes.

‘Anyone who can carry out such callous acts needs to be caught as a matter of urgency.’

Allen is known to police and has a history of violent offences. Mr Lang urged anyone with information to dial 999 and ‘not to approach him’.

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Colin Dunford Julie Davison

Murdered:  Colin Dunford, left, was found dead on Monday and Julie Davison, right, was found dead by her sister yesterday

Murdered: Julie Davison, pictured, was found dead by her sister at her flat in Whitby. She had suffered serious head injuries

Dead: Julie Davison, pictured, was found by her sister at her flat in Whitby. She had suffered serious head injuries

He added: ‘We are absolutely and completely determined to find him, catch him and bring him to justice and we won’t stop until we do this.’

Mr Dunford was discovered at his terraced home in Leven Street,  Middlesbrough, at 10.50pm on Monday after a friend became concerned he had not been at the local working men’s club for his usual two-and-a-half pints for two nights running.

Andy Mallett, who works at the club, prised open the pensioner’s front door and discovered Mr Dunford’s body in the front room.

‘I saw him on the floor and I knew straight away he was dead,’ he said. ‘There are a few oldish people who come in here on a night and it’s really shaken them. People are absolutely devastated.’

Mrs Davison was described as ‘a lovely woman who wouldn’t hurt a fly’. She spent Tuesday evening at the local bingo club and won £40. A friend said she went to the club every Tuesday and Thursday night.She added: ‘She was always so unassuming, I just can’t imagine who would want to hurt her. I couldn’t think of her ever having any enemies.

‘When she left on Tuesday she said: “I’ll see you Thursday.” I just can’t believe this has happened.’

Mrs Davison did voluntary work for several charities in the seaside town and only started working at the British Heart Foundation shop on Monday.

Tragic: Police at the scene in Church Square, Whitby, North Yorkshire, after Julie Davison, 50, was found dead in her flat following a 'brutal' assault

Tragic: Police at the scene in Church Square, Whitby, North Yorkshire, after Julie Davison, 50, was found dead in her flat following a 'brutal' assault

Investigation: Police have cordoned off the street in Middlesbrough where 81-year-old Colin Dunford was found dead on Monday evening

Investigation: Police have cordoned off the street in Middlesbrough where 81-year-old Colin Dunford was found dead on Monday evening

Chief Inspector Kerrin Smith, of North Yorkshire Police, said: ‘It is a brutal murder of a lady who lived on her own.

‘Burglary gone wrong is a possibility but we do not know what the motive is.’

Friends said Mrs Davison was the mother of a grown-up son.

Police said Allen had lived in the Middlesbrough area for ‘some time’ but originally came from north-west England and had an accent. He is described as 5ft 7in tall and bald, with tattoos on both arms.

Last night Whitby residents were worried about a killer being on the loose. James Jackson, 23, whose family run a boarding house, said: ‘It is a shock to the community and the talk of the town.

‘I guess people will be locking their doors until the killer is caught.’



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This "man" and his ilk don't even look human, their look is one of a sub species.

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When you prohibit self defence (even in your own home), and emphasize "'uman rights" of criminals over those of honest people, what can you expect?? Just what you lot are getting!! No doubt, if the perp in these cases is ever caught, he will draw "community service" for the first crime, and "life" for the second, which will work out to 3 to 5 years custodial time, with half off for the normal "50% discount that your "criminal justice" system dispenses. Is it any wonder that the UK is a "Land fit for Criminals"? (Quoting the book title of the "criminal justice" expose'. Cheers.

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To the politicians who did away with the death penalty. The general population are reaping the whirlwind that you have sown! Lethal injection for the worst cases makes sound common-sense. Oops that's blown it.

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Just when is the justice system going to get tough and hand down the appropriate sentences for these and other brutal crimes. Current sentences just are like a holiday.

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I know a lot of people disagree with the death penalty but there are so many murders happening all over the world and why should the perpetrators languish in relative comfort after leaving a trail of grief behind? Not only that there is always some excuse like 'temporary insanity', mental issues, drugs etc. For the cold, callous murderers, they do not deserve to live amongst us, they made their choices and so are not fit human beings. There must be a remote island somewhere where they can all be dropped on, let them live like the savages they are.

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The Law system in the uk is a joke , major change's need to be enforced !

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When I was in Whitby I noticed small groups of smack heads scurrying around like rats. I guess they are everywhere.

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I live round the corner from the guy who was murdered. I walk my dog round that area there's a park right near. Hope he is caught soon, it's worrying.

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So... Why are these murders linked then?

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RIP to both Julie Colin. It's sick what has happened!

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