Following new information, police investigating the disappearance of University of York chef Claudia Lawrence have begun searching an area of land near Halifax College known as The Outgang.
Up to ten officers with several dogs were combing the area, in an operation which North Yorkshire Police say could take up to three days.
The search is the result of new information that the police have received, “in the last few days” and is unconnected to an appeal earlier this month for a “mystery boyfriend” to come forward.
University of York chef Claudia has been missing for over a year, after she was first reported missing when she failed to turn up to work at Goodricke College on 19th March 2009.
Her disappearance is being treated as suspected murder.
Fresh appeals to mark the first anniversary of her disappearance have brought to light new lines of enquiry. A colleague came forward earlier this month with information that Claudia had a “mystery boyfriend” who she is believed to have spent the night with just two nights before she disappeared.