THE man police are hunting following the violent deaths of two people in the north of England stabbed a man four times during a terrifying burglary in Hampshire nine years ago.

Drug user James Allen attacked Brian Butt after forcing his way into his flat in Winchester with an accomplice.

Allen, 35, who is from Blackpool, was jailed for eight years for the attack.

He is now Britain’s most wanted man following the separate murders of Julie Davison, 50, in Whitby, North Yorkshire, and Colin Dunford, 81, in Middlesbrough.

The detective leading the manhunt last night confirmed Allen had been given bail by a court despite his previous convictions for violence.

Detective Chief Superintendent Gordon Lang told a press conference there had been a number of reported sightings of Allen in Middlesbrough, Scarborough and Whitby.

He urged Allen to give himself up, saying: “James Allen, stop now.

Do the right thing. Consider the consequences.”

He urged people to dial 999 if they saw Allen and warned he should not be confronted.

He said: “We are putting absolutely everything into finding him and bringing him to justice.”

Allen is also being investigated for other alleged offences, which have not been disclosed.

Mr Dunford, who was last seen alive at around 5pm on Sunday, suffered serious head injuries as a result of an assault. He was found dead at his house in Leven Street, Middlesbrough, on Monday.

Ms Davison, who lived alone, was found dead by her sister at her rented flat in Church Square, Whitby, on Wednesday.

She had also suffered serious head injuries.

In 2003 Allen forced his way into Mr Butt’s flat in Staple Gardens, kicking and punching him into submission. Southampton Crown Court heard Mr Butt’s head was pushed into the sofa and he felt what he thought were four punches to his back and side. In fact they were stab wounds delivered by Allen.

Allen was arrested nearly a fortnight later, asking police: “Please tell me, is he dead or not?”

He admitted burglary and the aggravated taking and driving away of a car. He also pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause GBH.

After the hearing Mr Butt told the Daily Echo that he thought he was going to die.