Garage owner 'delighted' to catch double murders suspect

The elderly garage owner who spotted fugitive Mark Hobson denied today he was a hero, saying: “I had to do something.”

Derrick North, 81, realised immediately that it was Hobson when the 34-year-old, who was wanted for questioning in connection with the murders of twin sisters and an elderly couple in North Yorkshire, walked into his isolated garage yesterday.

Mr North said Hobson used loose change to buy matches, cigarette papers and a bottle of water at his garage on the A19, north of the village of Shipton-by-Beningbrough, near York.

Asked if he was frightened by his experience, he said: “No way. I was just delighted we were able to do something.”

Hobson is now being treated in hospital for dehydration and abrasions, it was later confirmed.

Reading from a statement, Gillian Neild, Harrogate Healthcare NHS Trust spokeswoman, said: "Mr Hobson is being treated for dehydration and minor abrasions. A further statement will be issued on Mr Hobson's condition at approximately 5.30pm today."

She also confirmed that police officers were standing guard around Mr Hobson’s bed but refused to reveal where in the hospital he was being treated.

When asked if the former bin man had been treated for chest pains she told reporters Mr Hobson was being treated for dehydration and minor abrasions.

Commenting on the impact Hobson’s admittance had made on the hospital and its patients she said: “We’re just carrying on as normal and staff are carrying out their work in a professional manner.”

Hobson is expected to be taken to Harrogate Police Station to be quizzed over the murders at Harrogate Police Station after he is released from hospital.

The spokeswoman later added that she had spoken to Hobson, explaining that he had given permission for the statement to be released to the media.

She said Hobson was sitting up in bed and was in a stable condition. She also revealed that he was being rehydrated with a drip and would undergo further tests this afternoon.