Mr Hobson left the hospital by a side entrance

Police have been questioning him about the deaths of twins Claire and Diane Sanderson, and pensioners James and Joan Britton.

Mr Hobson, 34, was released from hospital on Tuesday after treatment for dehydration and abrasions.

He was arrested on Sunday. He can be held for 72 hours without charge from the time of his hospital discharge.

A week-long manhunt ended when a petrol station owner in North Yorkshire spotted him and tipped off police.

Mr Hobson left Harrogate District Hospital by a side entrance on Tuesday morning.

I recognised him straight away with his earring, his hair, his nose and his scar Derrick North Garage owner

The father-of-one was spotted at JD North filling station in Shipton-by-Beningbrough on Sunday by owner Derrick North, 81, who raised the alarm.

Mr North said he had recognised Mr Hobson immediately.

"He bought a box of matches and a bottle of water and some cigarette papers and paid in change and then just went," he said.

'Delighted' to help

He said a neighbouring shopkeeper joined him and they decided together to call the police.

Mr North said he was "delighted" to help police.

He said of Mr Hobson: "He looked very tired, worn out."

Arrest site 1. Garage 2. Furniture store 3. Mark Hobson captured here

The police hunt was launched after the body of Mr Hobson's girlfriend, Claire Sanderson, 27, was discovered at the flat where the couple lived in Camblesforth, near Selby, on Sunday 18 July.

Her twin, Diane, was also found dead at the flat.

Later that day the bodies of pensioners James Britton, 80, and his wife Joan, 82, were found at their home in Strensall, about 20 miles away.

Det Supt Javad Ali said: "The thoughts of all of us are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives."