DETECTIVES investigating the disappearance and suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence have arrested a man today.

The man, aged in his 50s and from the York area, was arrested earlier today, and searches are currently taking place in connection with the investigation.

North Yorkshire Police said Claudia has not been found, and the searches were expected to last for a number of days.

Peter Lawrence, Claudia's father, said he was contacted late this morning by North Yorkshire Police with the news.

He said: "We obviously welcome the development and at this stage can't really say much more than that. It shows that us keeping it in the public eye, and all the recent police activity and new investigation is obviously worth it.

"It is encouraging to know that following all the media activity over the last three weeks from Claudia’s 41st birthday to the sixth anniversary of her being missing, North Yorkshire Police continue to be active in seeking answers as to what has happened to Claudia. It is to be hoped that the matter can be resolved as soon as possible and I encourage people to continue to come forward with information to the police by phoning them on 101."

Last week marked the sixth anniversary of Claudia's disappearance. She was last seen alive on CCTV walking to her Heworth Road home on March 18, 2009.

To mark the anniversary, North Yorkshire Police released new CCTV images from close to her home on the night she disappeared, and urged the public to come forward with any information which could assist the investigation.

Police said last week there had been "a good response" to the newly-released images, but today said they could not confirm whether or not this information was a factor in the arrest.

A police spokesman said Claudia's family had been told about the arrest, and were being supported by specially-trained officers.

The latest arrest is the third under the investigation, which was reopened for a review by the force's Major Crimes Unit.

Last May, a 59-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of Claudia's murder, but later released from bail.

A second man was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice last July, and remains on police bail.

More to follow...