THE father of missing Claudia Lawrence has spoken of his inner torture at not knowing what has happened to his 35-year-old daughter.

Solicitor Peter Lawrence was talking at the formal launch of a new website dedicated to finding the York University chef - who disappeared without trace some seven weeks ago.

Police are now treating the case as suspected murder and Crimestoppers have put up a £10,000 reward for information.

However her father reiterated his belief that his daughter had not been killed.

"I very much do believe that Claudia is still alive," he said yesterday.

But he added: "Not knowing anything at all about Claudia’s whereabouts is a most strange and dreadful feeling."

He is concerned that no-one has come forward in the wake of a sighting of a man and woman on Melrosegate bridge in York - on his daughter’s route to work - at 5.35am on March 19, the day she failed to turn up for work.

Mr Lawrence said: "My message is, because of the feeling we are all going through, will someone out there please respond to those sightings, either to say it was us and is nothing to do with it or to say, anonymously to Crimestoppers if necessary, that person on the bridge was my neighbour, my workmate or whatever.

"Just something to relieve us of part of this dreadful feeling."

The new website, www.findclaudia.co.uk, contains images and a description of the chef, a message from her father and a prayer from the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.

There is also a guestbook section, where people can leave messages, a section containing latest news, a downloadable poster and links to police, Crimestoppers and media outlets.

In his message ion the website Mr Lawrence said: "It is every parents worst nightmare when something like this happens and the times the family are living through are indescribably difficult.

"We have, however, been much supported by peoples prayers and compassionate thoughts and now our only desire is for Claudia to return to her family and friends.

"If you can help us in our search, we would be most grateful and the police will appreciate every piece of information you might be able to give them."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 6060 247 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.