Claudia Lawrence: Man arrested as pub searched

Claudia Lawrence disappeared in March 2009

A man has been arrested as part of the continuing investigation into the murder of Claudia Lawrence.

The chef has not been seen since she disappeared in March 2009 at the age of 35.

North Yorkshire Police said a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and has been bailed.

The arrest comes after reports of a large police presence at The Acomb pub, on Kingsway in Acomb, York, earlier.

A 59-year-old man held on suspicion of her murder in May remains on bail.

Miss Lawrence, who lived in Heworth, was due to start a shift at the University of York on 19 March at 06:00, but failed to turn up.

Her 67-year-old father, Peter, reported her missing the following day.

Searches have been taking place at The Acomb pub in York

Extensive searches of the area were made, but she was not found and police have since treated her disappearance as murder.

Martin Dales, spokesman for Claudia's father, said: "Peter remains very grateful for all the hard work that North Yorkshire Police are continuing to put into finding Claudia.

"It is to be hoped that this is another vital piece in the jigsaw of information that needs to come to the police."

North Yorkshire Police launched a review of the case last year and have carried out new forensic work and searches of Miss Lawrence's home.

A house in the Burnholme area of York was searched following the arrest of the 59-year-old man from York on 13 May.

A second property in North Shields, Tyneside, was also searched by officers.

The suspect was released on conditional bail which was extended by police last month.