Lawrence case: Man apprehended named as university worker Michael Snelling

A name for the 59-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering missing chef Claudia Lawrence has been revealed.

Ex-Department of Biology worker Michael Snelling was apprehended this morning on suspicion of murder, according to The Telegraph.

Snelling, who left the university last year, is the first major lead in the five year mystery.

michaelsnelling-1-522x293
The suspect Michael Snelling is being held locally

Miss Lawrence was 35 when she disappeared from her home in 2009.

North Yorkshire Police have confirmed forensic examinations have been conducted at a house in York.

A university spokesperson refused to confirm the news and told Vision: “We understand that North Yorkshire Police are pursuing inquiries regarding the disappearance in 2009 of Claudia Lawrence. The University will continue to give the Police every co-operation in those inquiries.”

Lawrence was first reported missing by her father Peter in 2009
Lawrence was first reported missing by her father Peter in 2009
Fresh evidence was obtained during forensic examination of Miss Lawrence's home
Fresh evidence was obtained during forensic examination of Miss Lawrence’s home

It is also understood that the search of a second property in North Shields, Tyneside, is linked to the case.

Police have seized a car and said further arrests could not be ruled out.

Forensic officers have boarded up the property as part of their investigations at the house in York.

Miss Lawrence, who lived in Heworth, worked at the University of York as a chef.

Ongoing searches have previously taken place at Miss Lawrence's home
Ongoing searches have previously taken place at Miss Lawrence’s home

review into her disappearance was launched by detectives earlier this year following the formation of a new major crime unit at North Yorkshire Police.

Extensive searches of the area were made at the time, but has not been found. Police are treating her disappearance as murder.

Anyone with information is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, selecting Option 1, and passing on the details to the Force Control Room by quoting “Claudia Lawrence” before doing so.