A YORK man scarred for life after a vicious samurai sword attack today revealed his "embarrassment" at being collared by police hunting for Mark Hobson.

Steve Johnson, 37, was stopped by six officers while walking near his home in Green Lane, Acomb, during the height of the search for the former binman, who detectives wanted to speak to in connection with the deaths of four people.

"They shouted to me, 'Stay where you are', and asked me how I got my scars," he said.

"They said they were looking for Mark Hobson and told me I looked like him."

Mr Johnson said he frantically reassured officers he was the "samurai sword man" and not Hobson, and they eventually let him go.

The Evening Press reported that two men attacked him in the doorway of his home with swords for no reason, leaving him with terrible injuries.

Two men in their forties from outside the York area have been arrested in connection with the attack and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

"The police apologised to me for the mistake after checking it out," he said. "They were just doing their job, but it was just really embarrassing.

"I had a lot of people looking at me funny and whispering about me when they were looking for Hobson. I guess I do look like him because of my scar and shaven head."

Hobson, 34, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday after being charged with murdering his 27-year-old girlfriend, Claire Sanderson, on July 11, and her twin sister, Diane, on July 17, as well as elderly couple James and Joan Britton on July 18. He was remanded in custody to appear before Leeds Crown Court next Friday.

A police spokesman said: "It was necessary to follow up every line of inquiry and possible lead while the hunt was continuing."

Updated: 10:37 Monday, August 02, 2004