Murder suspect Mark Hobson remained in hospital last night as the 81-year-old garage owner responsible for his capture said: "I'm no hero."

Detectives are waiting to question Hobson, 34, in connection with the murders in North Yorkshire of pensioners James and Joan Britton and twins Claire and Diane Sanderson.

He is in a ''comfortable'' condition, in Harrogate District Hospital where he is being treated for dehydration and minor abrasions with a police guard by his bed.

Father-of-one Hobson, a former binman, was captured by police on Sunday after he was recognised by Derrick North at his garage outside the village of Shipton-by-Beningbrough, near York.

Yesterday, Mr North played down his role, shaking his head in denial at all suggestions he was a hero.

He told how Hobson paid 79p in change for water, matches and cigarette papers before leaving.

Mr North said he recognised the fugitive straight away but treated him ''just like any other customer''.

The owner of the furniture store next door, Robin Wilson, rang the police after conferring with Mr North. Hobson was arrested in a field behind Mr Wilson's shop.

''I was just delighted we were able to do something,'' said Mr North.

The garage is only a few miles from the house in Strensall, near York, where the Brittons were found murdered a week before.

The discovery came only hours after the 27-year-old Sanderson twins were found dead at Hobson's flat, in Camblesforth, near Selby.