THE man wanted for questioning over two double murders was arrested at a service station yesterday after a week on the run.

Witnesses said Mark Hobson, 34, was recognised when he bought matches at the garage near the village of Shipton-by-Beningbrough, on the A19 in North Yorkshire.

Police were alerted and he was arrested in a field nearby at 3.43pm.

Hobson, who had been dubbed Britain's most wanted man, was said to have looked dishevelled and weak.

He was taken to be questioned at an undisclosed police station in North Yorkshire last night.

The site of the fugitive's capture is about seven miles from where the bodies of pensioners James Britton, 80, and his wife, Joan, 82, were found last Sunday.

He is also wanted in connection with the murders of his girlfriend, Claire Sanderson, 27, and her twin sister, Diane, whose bodies were found last Sunday morning at the suspect's flat in Camblesforth, near Selby.

At a news briefing last night, Deputy Chief Constable Roger Baker confirmed Hobson's arrest.

He said: "As a result of a call from a member of the public he was found in a field at Shipton-by-Beningbrough on the A19 and arrested by North Yorkshire Police officers on suspicion of murdering Claire and Diane Sanderson and James and Joan Britton.

"He is presently at a police station in North Yorkshire, where he will be questioned about the four murders.

"I would like to record our sincere thanks to the public for the magnificent help and support they have given to the police throughout this investigation.

"Finally, I would like to say that the thoughts of all of us are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives."

In an interview with the News of the World yesterday, former binman Hobson's ex-wife, Kay Hobson, 35, urged him to give himself up.

"Mark, I urge you to turn yourself in. Many people love you dearly," she said.

She said his family and friends would be there to support him and that he must contact the police or a solicitor.

Police investigating the four murders handed out thousands of wanted posters over the weekend, including some to racegoers in York and fans watching York City play Sheffield Wednesday at Bootham Crescent.

More than 300 police officers have been involved in the manhunt, including some who investigated the Soham murders, plus psychologists and geographical plotters.

Hobson was last seen at York District Hospital at about 2am last Sunday, where his mother had dropped him off.

The vicar of St Mary the Virgin Church, Strensall, held prayers for the four victims in a service yesterday.

The Reverend Martin Harrison said: "Police cars outside the home of Mr and Mrs Britton have acted as a terrible sign that a week ago this very day wickedness and evil visited our village, possibly evil in the vilest and in its most cowardly form. Today we remember the past week. We pray for Mr and Mrs Britton, their family and friends, also remembering Claire and Diane Sanderson and their relatives as we ask for you to comfort them at this difficult time."

The Brittons' daughter, Catherine Wilkins, from Durham, and Hobson's mother, Sandra, were both used by police at media briefings during the week-long manhunt.

Mrs Wilkins said on Friday: "The past few days have become a living hell as we try to come to terms with the shocking news that has left us devastated.

"The question we keep asking is why? Why would someone want to attack a lovely, elderly couple who could harm no one?

"Why would someone want to take their lives, and the lives of two young women?"

Mrs Hobson's recorded message, which was played at a news conference on Thursday, urged: "Please slow down and please don't hurt anyone. There are people who can help you. Please do this for yourself, for me and for the family."

The search involved 300 officers from the North Yorkshire force, who were supported by a further eight forces.