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Claudia Lawrence: Man arrested on suspicion of murder

More developments in the Claudia Lawrence investigation

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Crime

Claudia Lawrence: disappeared five years ago
Claudia Lawrence: new development

Update: Tuesday, March 24

Police have confirmed that the arrested man remains in police custody for questioning. Searches at the property were completed on Monday evening.

From Monday, March 23

Detectives investigating the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence have today (Monday, March 23) arrested a man aged in his 50s from the York area on suspicion of murder.

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

Police are not releasing any further details relating to the arrest 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 – details below.

north-yorkshire-police-logo-25How to help the police

Call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and pass details to the Force Control Room
Or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
Use the anonymous form on the Crimestoppers website
Please quote “Claudia Lawrence” when passing on details

The investigation so far

Nobody has seen or heard from Claudia Lawrence since Wednesday, March 18, 2009.

She was reported missing by her father on Friday, March 20 after concerns were raised when the chef failed to turn up for her 6am shift at the University of York on the Thursday.

North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit has been actively reviewing and investigating the Claudia Lawrence case since October 2013.

A 60-year-old man was arrested in May on suspicion of murder. He was later released from his bail.

A 47-year-old man was also arrested in July on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. He remains on police bail while enquiries continue.