A MAN arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in connection with the suspected murder of York chef Claudia Lawrence has been released from bail.

Detectives have released a 47-year-old man from bail. He was arrested on 23 July last year on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

North Yorkshire Police said the decision has been made following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service and following information the man provided which has "progressed the investigation and clarified certain issues".

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, head of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit and the senior investigating officer in the Claudia Lawrence case, said: “Our investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence continues to focus on key lines of enquiry that the on-going review is identifying.

“People should also be reminded that any arrest we make must be based on evidence, be that from witnesses, forensic examinations and/or on the basis of other information we gather.

“I am convinced the breakthrough in the investigation will be from this relentless pursuit for the truth.

"With this investigation very much active following the arrest on 23 March 2015 of a local man, aged in his 50s, on suspicion of murder, it is extremely important that the media and the public do not publish or broadcast anything on traditional media platforms or on social and digital sites that could compromise the enquiry or the legal rights of those connected to the case."

Det Supt Malyn again urged people not to identify the arrested man under any circumstances because identification is an issue in the case. This includes his name, photograph, home address, place of work or any vehicles connected to him.

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 555 111 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.