Claudia Lawrence
Claudia Lawrence was reported missing after failing to turn up for her shift as a chef in 2009 North Yorkshire Police

Police have arrested a 59-year-old man in connection with the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence who has not been seen for five years.

Lawrence, 35, went missing after failing to turn up for her shift as a chef at the University of York's Goodricke College on 19 March, 2009.

North Yorkshire Police have confirmed they have arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of murder, but stress that Lawrence has not been found during the investigation.

A spokesperson added: "Forensic examinations and searches are being conducted which are expected to be ongoing over a number of days. A car has also been seized as part of the enquiries.

"Police cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests in the future as the review continues.

"Claudia's family have been notified and are being supported by trained officers."

On the five-year-anniversary of her disappearance, police spoke of how the renewed investigation had led to new lines of inquiry. Police also offered a £10,000 reward to anyone who could provide information to help solve the mystery behind her disappearance.

Lawrence was due to walk the three miles to work for a shift beginning at 6am, but never arrived for work that day.

She was last seen around 3.05pm on 18 March 2009, walking back towards her home. She was also captured on CCTV as she left Goodricke College and as she walked home.