WEAPONS have been recovered from the homes where four North Yorkshire people were murdered, police have confirmed.

Detective Superintendent Javad Ali, head of North Yorkshire's Central Division CID, said that "some weapons" had been recovered from both murder scenes.

But he refused to give details of what exactly had been taken from the addresses in Strensall, York, and Camblesforth, Selby.

The bodies of James Britton, 80, and his 82-year-old wife, Joan, were discovered at their home in Strensall Road, Strensall, on Sunday morning, only hours after twins Claire and Diane Sanderson were found dead in a flat at Camblesforth.

Police said during a press conference today that there were potential links between the murders.

It emerged today that the Strensall killings happened only a fortnight after a community bobby told the parish council that the village was virtually crime-free, with the most she had to deal with being rowdy teenagers on street corners.

Parish councillor John Scott said villagers had been feeling how lucky they were to be living in such a place. "Now we find ourselves with a double murder on our hands. I think people are going to be nervous and frightened, and keep their doors locked until the irrational thing can be explained and solved."

A small pile of floral bouquets has been left outside the Brittons' house. One was accompanied by a card which read: "Mr and Mrs Britton, I'll miss you so much. Love Caren." The envelope of another sealed card simply read "Why???"

A 20-year-old from Strensall, who only wanted to be named as Shelley and who left one of the bouquets, said she did not know the couple, but wanted to "pay her respects."

Another visitor left a floral tribute with this poignant message: "Terrible, terrible waste of innocent life. May you both rest in peace."

Police cordoned off an area of field to the rear of the property, behind the back garden. Forensic experts continued investigations in the house and garden throughout the day, with the house remaining guarded and officers coming in and out.

It is believed that the couple had two daughters, one living in South Africa and another in Durham.

Updated: 13:54 Tuesday, July 20, 2004