THE mother of missing Claudia Lawrence said was devastated and in total shock at last week's announcement that no one would be prosecuted.

Joan Lawrence, who lives in Norton, said she has asked North Yorkshire Police not to make any statements ahead of the seventh anniversary of her daughter's disappearance this week.

"The past couple of weeks have been extremely difficult with Claudia's birthday and Mother's Day and now this," she said.

"I didn't want police to release this information until after the anniversary, but I was told they had no choice. It's just another blow in finding answers about what has happened to my daughter. I'm in complete and utter shock, this news came completely out of the blue, and the timing is absolutely dreadful."

North Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) revealed last week that four men in their fifties, who had been arrested, will not be charged with Claudia's murder, after investigations which have cost the force more than £1.5m.

Claudia was 35 when she disappeared on March 19, 2009, having never arrived for her morning shift at the University of York, where she worked as a chef.

Mrs Lawrence, who is also the mayor of Malton, said: "At the end of the day my daughter is out there and I don't know where she is or what has happened to her which is a terrible situation to be in after seven years.

"I try to think of how fortunate I am in other ways and I have my family and friends and the people of Malton who have been wonderful."

Peter Mann, head of the complex casework unit for the CPS in Yorkshire and Humberside, said: "We have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove that any of the men had any involvement in Claudia’s disappearance. Therefore, we have advised the police that no further action should be taken."

Det Supt Dai Malyn said he had not prejudged the decision of the CPS, and he respected their decision not to bring charges against the four men.

He said: "I do deeply share Joan's frustrations around the timing of this, that is something that's beyond our control.

"I know the amount of effort that's gone into this from the previous job and the current team. We deserve that break and I firmly believe by keeping it live, by putting the same effort in, we will get that break."

Det Supt Malyn said the investigation would remain open, a dedicated team were still looking into Claudia's disappearance.

Claudia's father, Peter Lawrence, said the news was "disappointing", but not really a surprise.

"I think he (DS Malyn) is convinced that they have made substantial progress, he is just so frustrated they have not been able to bring it to a conclusion," he said.

"He is certainly on with the investigation, but as the assistant chief constable said, I think they are really dependant on somebody actually coming forward and saying something and that is what I have been saying for the last seven years. But more so not obviously, because they've been through with a fine-tooth comb all the physical evidence that there is."