Double murder suspect used to live next door to one of his victims, police reveal (From Gazette & Herald)

Double murder suspect used to live next door to one of his victims, police reveal

2:14pm Friday 27th April 2012 in News By Jennifer Bell, jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk

DOUBLE murder suspect James Allen used to live next door to one of the victims, police have revealed.

Allen lived next to 81-year-old Colin Dunford in Leven Street, Middlesbrough, about a year ago although police do not yet know if he knew his North Yorkshire victim, Julie Davison.

Police say there have been a number of sightings of Allan in both areas where the killings took place.

Detective Chief Superintendent Gordon Lang, head of crime operations for Cleveland Police, said: “A huge amount of activity has gone on overnight to find him. This is a 24/7 operation that will not stop until we locate and arrest him.

“We are trying to establish the whereabouts of a black pedal bike with suspension that we believe Allen had with him.

“The bike was seen outside Julie Davison’s home in Whitby and also outside Colin Dunford’s home in Middlesbrough at the time of the murders. We are keen to trace that bike.

“We also know that Allen knew Colin Dunford. He lived next door to him on Leven Street about a year ago, although at this stage we do not believe that he knew Julie Davison.

We also believe that Allen may have been involved in a number of other offences, and these potential links are currently being investigated. He is known to police and he has a history of committing violent offences.”

Allen is described as five foot seven inches tall, with a bald head and tattoos on both arms. Anyone who sees him is asked not to approach him but to contact 999 immediately.

Police said at this stage the motive is still unclear.

Anyone with information should contact either force on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.