Claudia Lawrence: man arrested on suspicion of murder

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering missing chef Claudia Lawrence. The man, aged in his 50s and from the York area, was arrested today, North Yorkshire Police said.

Ms Lawrence was last seen six years ago, on 18 March, 2009.

A police spokesman said searches are being carried out in relation to the York University chef’s disappearance and are expected to continue for a number of days.

He said Ms Lawrence, who was 35 when she went missing, had not been found.

Ms Lawrence’s family have been told about the arrest and are being supported by trained officers, police said.

‘Show restraint and patience’

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, of North Yorkshire Police, urged people not to identify the arrested man.

He said: “To ensure the investigation and legal process are not compromised or potentially damaged in any way during this critical phase in seeking the truth about Claudia’s disappearance, North Yorkshire Police strongly advises the media and members of the public against identifying the man who has been arrested.

“This includes naming or publishing images of the man on traditional media platforms or social networking sites. “I urge everyone to show restraint and patience while we carry out these very important inquiries.”

Detailed re-examination

Ms Lawrence was reported missing by her father after concerns were raised when she failed to turn up for her 6am shift at work on March 19 2009.

North Yorkshire Police began reviewing the case in 2013 and have since carried out a number of searches, including a detailed re-examination of Ms Lawrence’s home, in the Heworth area of the city, and a fingertip search of an alleyway that leads to the rear of the house.

A 60-year-old man was arrested last year in connection with her disappearance and suspected murder but was later released without charge, while a 47-year-old man remains on bail on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Mr Malyn said he is “actively pursuing new leads” and that his team had made “significant progress” since the force began reviewing the case in 2013.