The homeless man suspected of trying to murder his girlfriend was last night in police custody.

Michael Bennison, 28, was arrested early yesterday evening in the Huntington Road area of York.

His arrest brought to an end a major manhunt that had begun shortly after lunchtime on Friday and had spread beyond York and North Yorkshire to neighbouring counties.

Detective Inspector Shaun Page, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “I would like to convey my thanks to the media and the many members of the public who have contributed to the search and helped us to locate Bennison.”

The manhunt began with an incident in a house in the quiet cul-de-sac of Healey Grove, off Malton Road, York, at about 1pm on Friday.

Residents told The Press later they had seen police cars in the street that afternoon, but did not know why they were there.

Bennison's 27-year-old girlfriend had been stabbed repeatedly. She was rushed to York Hospital by ambulance with several chest wounds and a punctured lung. For a time she was described as "poorly" , but her condition was later described as stable. She remained in hospital last night.

While doctors were dealing with her injuries, police launched a major operation in York to find Bennison. They put out a public appeal, carried out intensive inquiries in York and warned the public against approaching him.

On Saturday morning, they renewed their appeal, and for the first time revealed they wanted to question him in connection with the attack on his girlfriend. They also described the attack as a murder bid.

Detective Inspector Shaun Page urged Bennison to hand himself in, saying: “You are only making matters worse for yourself by not speaking to the police.”

North Yorkshire Police circulated Bennison's details to neighbouring forces and listed him as wanted. The public appeal was picked up by regional and national media organisations.

It was not until yesterday evening that officers located him in York and announced they had arrested a 28-year-old local man.

Police are continuing to ask for anyone with information about the incident on Friday to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for York CID, or email yorkcid@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.