MARK Hobson was being questioned for a third day today in connection with the deaths of twin sisters and an elderly couple.

Detectives secured an extension from Harrogate magistrates yesterday afternoon to keep quizzing the 34-year-old at Harrogate Police Station. The magistrates' court may authorise up to an additional 36 hours.

A further 12 hours of questioning had already been granted by a police superintendent after the initial 24 hours ran out yesterday morning.

A police spokesman told the Evening Press: "The town magistrates granted an extension through into this afternoon. There is a possibility that we may go back for more time."

Hobson was dramatically arrested in fields at Shipton-by-Beningbrough on Sunday, following a seven-day nationwide manhunt by police officers.

The alarm was raised by garage owner Derrick North, after Hobson had gone in to buy matches and cigarette papers.

Detectives have yet to charge anyone in connection with the murders of Claire and Diane Sanderson, at Camblesforth, near Selby, and James and Joan Britton, at Strensall, York.

Hobson was due to appear before Selby magistrates yesterday charged with criminal damage.

After he was taken into custody for questioning about the four deaths, the Crown Prosecution Service served a notice on the Selby court, saying the criminal damage case had been discontinued.

Hobson's address on the court sheet was given as New Lane, Selby.

The 34-year-old faced a charge of causing £100 damage to the rear door of a house in Millgate, Selby.

The incident is alleged to have happened at 10.15pm on Thursday, February 5, this year.

The door belonged to Susan Dawn Doherty.

The maximum sentence for criminal damage is six months imprisonment.

According to the court sheet, Hobson was on legal aid.

Updated: 10:45 Thursday, July 29, 2004