Anthony Lawrence's body was believed to have been discovered in a “rural location” following “extensive inquiries” into the murder of 30-year-old Shane Gilmer and his pregnant girlfriend, 27-year-old Laura Sudgen.

Humberside Police said: "Since Friday evening we have been carrying out extensive inquiries into Mr Lawrence's whereabouts, which led to the location in North Yorkshire, upon where officers discovered a body."

A crossbow was found at the scene of the attack and will be forensically examined.

Police added they believed the case was an “isolated incident” and the people “were known to one another” – Mr Lawrence was the neighbour of Mr Gilmer.

Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Miller added: “We can confirm that at around 6pm this evening officers discovered the body of a man believed to be 56-year-old Anthony Lawrence, in a vehicle in a rural location in North Yorkshire.

"Mr Lawrence was wanted in relation to the murder of Shane Gilmer and the attempted murder of his pregnant girlfriend Laura Sugden on Friday.

"Since Friday evening we have been carrying out extensive enquiries into Mr Lawrence's whereabouts, which led to the location in North Yorkshire, upon where officers discovered a body.

"We are being supported by North Yorkshire Police as part of our wider investigation."

The couple were attacked at their home in Southburn, near Driffield, on Friday night, with the police saying they received reports of the attack at around 9.20pm.

The injuries of Laura Sudgen are not thought to be life-threatening.

Both Ms Sudgen and her unborn baby are in a stable condition.

Mr Gilmer, who worked for East Riding Council, died at Hull Royal Infirmary on Saturday morning following the attack.

During the hunt for the 56-year-old suspect, the village of Southburn was on “lockdown” as officers searched the local woodland.

The public were thanked for helping the police locate Mr Lawrence’s blue Vauxhall Meriva – he was also known as Tony Howarth.