Missing Claudia Lawrence: Man Arrested as Acomb Pub Searched

A man has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence.

Police are also carrying out a search of The Acomb pub in Kingsway, York, as part of their inquiries. Around eight police vehicles are at the scene and officers with dogs and hammer equipment have been spotted going into the pub.

North Yorkshire Police said a 46-year-old man from York has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. He is currently being interviewed in custody while searches and forensic enquiries are conducted.

A spokesperson added there is a possibility that "further arrests will be made" during the investigation.

Lawrence, 35, has not been seen since 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 launched a review into her case last year and, on the five-year anniversary of her disappearance, revealed that the renewed investigation had led to new lines of inquiry.

In May, a 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder and remains on police bail.

A £10,000 Crimestoppers reward is also available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Lawrence's 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.