Claudia Lawrence investigation: Man arrested on suspicion of murder

Searches are being conducted which are expected to be ongoing over a number of days.

No further details relating to the arrest will be provided at this stage of the investigation.

The investigation team would like to stress that Claudia has not been found.

Claudia’s family have been notified about the arrest and are being supported by trained officers.

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, head of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit and the senior investigating officer in the Claudia Lawrence inquiry, 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 enquiries.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and pass details to the Force Control Room. Please quote “Claudia Lawrence” when passing on details.

Alternatively, if you have any information about the Claudia Lawrence case you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

For further information on the Claudia Lawrence investigation, please go to the dedicated microsite on the North Yorkshire Police website www.northyorkshire.police.uk/claudialawrence