A MAN has been arrested in Scarborough on suspicion of murdering a woman who went missing 14 years ago.

The 44-year-old local man was arrested last night on suspicion of killing Gemma Simpson.

Gemma was 23 when she disappeared from her home in Leeds in 2000.

West Yorkshire Police carried out the arrest, and The Press understands an address in St Leonards Crescent is being searched by officers. The man remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Adrian Taylor, from West Yorkshire Police, said: "A 44-year-old man was arrested in Scarborough last night on suspicion of the murder of Gemma Simpson who went missing in Leeds in May 2000.

"An address in Scarborough is currently being examined as part of the investigation and the man remains in custody while our enquiries continue. We have notified Gemma’s family and will be keeping them informed of any developments."