Detectives were last night questioning former fugitive Mark Hobson about the murders of four people.

The 34-year-old, who was arrested on Sunday at Shipton-by-Beningbrough, near York, after a week-long manhunt, was being interviewed at Harrogate police station.

He had spent two nights under police guard in Harrogate District Hospital where he had been receiving treatment for dehydration and minor abrasions.

However, early yesterday he was led from a side door at the hospital to a police van. Flanked by four police officers, he was handcuffed and his head had been covered by a blanket

The van, escorted by two police cars, was then driven the short distance to Harrogate police station.

Hospital spokeswoman Gillian Neild said Hobson had been monitored round the clock and doctors had decided he was well enough to be discharged.

She added: "He has had the same care as any other patient."

Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, detectives have 24 hours to question a suspect before charging or releasing him.

However, that can be extended, first by senior officers for a period of 12 hours and then for a further 36 hours by magistrates.

He is being questioned in connection with the deaths of 27-year-old twins Claire and Diane Sanderson, at Camblesforth, near Selby, and pensioners Joan and James Britton, aged 80 and 82, at Strensall near York.