DISHEVELLED and bloodstained, crazed killer Mark Hobson is pictured here at the dramatic moment he was caught by armed police.

The former binman stares into space as if in a trance as the two officers warily lead him away from his hiding place behind Oakdale Upholstery, off the A19, at Shipton-by-Beningbrough.

His yellow t-shirt and white trousers are splattered with blood.

Hobson evaded detectives for a week during one of the country's biggest ever manhunts. It appears likely that he buried himself beneath undergrowth next to a septic tank behind the store to prevent being spotted. A19 garage owner Derrick North eventually reported him to police after the killer went in to buy some cigarette papers, matches and water.

Robin Wilson, owner of Oakdale Upholstery, pointed armed officers to Hobson's hiding place when dozens of them arrived to check out the tip-off.

The 34-year-old said he still had vivid memories of hearing him "head butt" the side of the police van as he was being driven away from the scene.

"I locked myself in the shop and told the police dog handlers where to find him," Mr Wilson said.

"When they turned up, Hobson tried to run off into the field. The police kept him on the floor for ages. I expected him to be a big guy, but in reality there was nothing on him."

Updated: 13:52 Tuesday, April 19, 2005