SIX civilian search and rescue teams from across the region have been drafted in by North Yorkshire Police, as the hunt for missing Claudia Lawrence steps up a gear.

Specialist search and rescue dogs will also be used in today’s searches, which are due to begin on land at the University of York.

The last sighting of the 35-year-old chef was in Melrosegate, at around 3pm last Wednesday as she walked from the University of York, where she works, to her home in Heworth Road.

She spoke to her parents later that evening, as well as texting two friends.

It was initially feared that Claudia had been abducted as she walked back to work the following morning.

But Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway said yesterday that she did not appear on any CCTV footage from Thursday morning along her normal route to work and it was possible she had met up with someone the night before she disappeared.

“My focus is on the people that she knew,” he said. “She would not have got into a vehicle that she didn't know and she wouldn't have gone to meet somebody that she didn't know.

“I believe that Claudia is with or has gone with somebody that she knows. Seven days on I am extremely concerned. My professional judgment is that Claudia has probably come to harm.”

The vicar at Holy Trinity Church, in Heworth, is opening up his church between 4pm and 7pm every day for people to light candles and pray for the safety of Claudia.

Rev Michael Woodmansey said: “The people of Heworth, and all of York, are shocked and worried about the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence.

“In the midst of such anxiety, we want to make Holy Trinity Church available as a space for people to come and pray for Claudia and her family.”