Police search semi-detached house in Claudia hunt

Police investigating the disappearance of York chef Claudia Lawrence could be seen searching a semi-detached house in a quiet cul-de-sac in the city on Monday afternoon, following the arrest of an unnamed man on suspicion of murder.

Two police community support officers and police vans were stationed at the entrance to the road, which contains 10 houses, as the unnamed man, who is in his 50s, remains in custody after being arrested on Monday afternoon.

Officers entered and left the house throughout the afternoon and spent some time searching in the detached garage.

No-one else appeared to be at the property and the curtains were drawn in the bay windows to the front of the building.

Neighbours said they believed a man lived in the house with his wife.

One woman, who did not want to be identified, said: "They're a nice couple. I was really surprised, really shocked to see the police searching the house. "This is a nice road, we all look out for each other."

A police spokesman said searches are being carried out in relation to the York University chef's disappearance and are expected to continue for a number of days.