A man arrested on Monday, March 23 on suspicion of murdering Claudia Lawrence was released yesterday on police bail in order to allow detectives time to follow up lines of inquiry.

The man, who is in his 50s and from the York area, was held in custody while he was interviewed by detectives from the Major Crime Unit.

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, head of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit and the senior investigating officer in the Claudia Lawrence case, said:

“I am very grateful to the media and the public for supporting my request that this individual should under no circumstances be identified, either in traditional media or on social media platforms. That is because identification is an issue, and publishing this man’s identity could cause serious harm to my investigation. This continues to be the case, even though the man has been released on bail, and I must ask that the media and public continue to support me and make no attempt to identify him, his place of work or his home address.”

Claudia’s family have been informed about developments.

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.

For further information on the Claudia Lawrence investigation, please go to the dedicated microsite on the North Yorkshire Police website www.northyorkshire.police.uk/claudialawrence