THE DETECTIVE in charge of the search for Claudia Lawrence has said more arrests could happen within weeks.

Speaking ahead of Claudia's 41st birthday and the sixth anniversary of her disappearance, Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, who leads North Yorkshire Police's Major Crime Unit, said the force's fresh lines of enquiry had already been proven to work.

Det Supt Malyn said the case review has "gathered momentum" over the last twelve months, with the arrests of two men in connection with the disappearance of the York chef.

Joan Lawrence, Claudia's mother, said she was "more confident" and trusted Det Supt Malyn, but her daughter's disappearance still hurt.

Mrs Lawrence said: "I do get very down about it, but try to keep my spirits up. It never goes away, it's 24/7. I must admit it has been difficult since Christmas this year.

"People seem to think because it's been six years it shouldn't matter so much, but it doesn't get easier, it gets harder. I have to get up on a morning and a lot of people expect me to just carry on as if everything's normal but it's not, no day is normal.

"We've just got over Christmas and then Allie's birthday at the end of January, and Claudia's this week. When I was looking for cards for Allie with 'daughter' on them, I was looking and wishing I could buy one for Claudia as well."

Det Supt Malyn said: "In the coming weeks and months, others may be arrested as we continue to develop lines of enquiry.

"Without having had any involvement in the original investigation, and without the pressure of daily, international media attention that the first investigation attracted, my team has been able to look back at the events of March 2009 and the enquiries that followed it with a different tempo and with fresh eyes.

We have been able to spot things that may not have seemed significant or hugely relevant at the time, and to prioritise and put greater emphasis on certain aspects of the enquiry that the new investigation team felt were necessary and warranted."

He said improvements in DNA testing had "proved dividends and identified people who did not previously come forward".

He said: "I am convinced the breakthrough in the investigation will be from this relentless pursuit for the truth. When that person or persons with the vital information makes the right decision to share it with us, Claudia’s family will finally get some answers that they are still desperately searching for."

Claudia's father Peter said: "Every day is not good. But Claudia’s birthday and the sixth anniversary are much worse. Sometimes it seems forever, but other times I really cannot believe it is six years.

"The new police team – experienced major crime officers – have been very thorough. But I think it may now be someone coming to them rather than detective work which answers this baffling case."

Mrs Lawrence said: "Suddenly, out of the blue you're world turns upside down and you're plunged into a dark hole you don't expect it to happen to you.

"I think police in this team are more human. It makes you believe they are doing their absolute utmost to help us and look out for us."

A 60-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder last year was later released from bail.

A 47-year-old man arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice remains on police bail.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org