28 Apr 2012

Double murder suspect ‘may be trying to change appearance’

Detectives leading the manhunt for fugitive James Allen say he’s been spotted in Leeds in sightings confirmed by CCTV cameras and may be trying to change his appearance.

James Allen

West Yorkshire police said James Allen may have been staying in the Harehills area of Leeds and their investigation remains focused on the general vicinity.

“It has now been confirmed via CCTV footage that he was walking along Harehills Lane at 4:41 yesterday (Friday) afternoon,”police said in a statement. “Mr Allen is considered dangerous and we would ask members of the public not to approach him but to contact us immediately,” police said.

The 35-year-old is wanted over the brutal murders of his former neighbour Colin Dunford, 81, in Middlesbrough, and Julie Davison, 50, in Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Detective Chief Superintendent Gordon Lang said recent sightings of Allen have been reported in the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Police areas as well as potential sightings in Leeds on Thursday and Friday.

Warning: secure homes

People in the area have been warned to secure their homes, be careful when answering the door and call the police rather than confronting Allen if he is spotted.
It is possible that Allen is trying to grow his hair to change his appearance, Mr Lang said.

The detective added: “We are investigating a number of sightings in both force areas that have been reported to us, including sightings in the Harehills area of Leeds, and I would repeat our message in urging members of the public if you see James Allen to call 999 immediately.

“This operation continues on a 24/7 basis and it will do until we trace and arrest James Allen. “Someone must know where he is. He will have confided in someone and I would appeal to that person to come forward and get in touch with us.

“Two innocent people have lost their lives and it is absolutely vital that we catch James Allen as soon as possible.

“If you know where he is now, call us.”

You have inflicted terrible injuries and death on two families

He added: “James, if you are reading this, give yourself up, it is only a matter of time before we find you.”

In an earlier direct appeal to the suspect, Mr Lang said: “James Allen, stop now. Do the right thing. Consider the consequences.

“You have inflicted terrible injuries and death on two families.”

Allen, originally from Blackpool, knew Mr Dunford when he lived next door to him in Leven Street, Middlesbrough about a year ago. The victim was found dead at his terraced house on Monday and a post-mortem examination showed he had suffered serious head injuries.

Detectives said there was no sign of forced entry at the house.

Clearly this is a man who is a dangerous man, but we are putting absolutely everything into finding him. Gordon Lang

Ms Davison, who lived alone, was found dead by her sister at her rented flat in Church Square on Wednesday. She had also suffered serious head injuries.
It is not thought Allen knew Ms Davison, and detectives said the suspect could have tricked his way into her home.

Mr Lang said robbery was a possible motive behind the attacks, but stressed he was keeping an open mind. Allen is believed to have stayed at the Allerton Croft hotel, Scarborough, on Wednesday evening, following Ms Davison’s death. Drinkers at the Lord Rosebery pub in the seaside town also reported seeing someone fitting Allen’s description. A spokesman for the Wetherspoon’s branch said police had been informed of the sighting and members of the regional crime squad would be viewing CCTV footage.

Allen was on bail for an undisclosed offence at the time of the murders and had been in contact with the probation services. He had previously served a prison sentence for another violent crime and was also being investigated for other alleged offences.

Mr Lang warned residents to keep their homes secure and be careful when answering their doors, saying:”Clearly this is a man who is a dangerous man, but we are putting absolutely everything into finding him, tracking him down and bringing him to justice.”