POLICE searching for missing Claudia Lawrence released CCTV footage today of a man seen near the chef's home the morning after she was last seen.

The images show a man going to the rear of the terrace where the 35-year-old lived, in Heworth Road, York, before returning to the front of the property at about 5.50am on March 19.

Miss Lawrence was last seen near her home on March 18 and failed to arrive for her 6am shift at the University of York's Goodricke College the following day.

North Yorkshire Police have now formally classified their investigation as one of suspected murder and Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

The new footage shows the man in Lime Court, which is off Heworth Road.

The man is seen to walk from Heworth Road towards the rear of the terrace in which Claudia's house is located. He disappears from view for around one minute, then reappears and walks back on to Heworth Road.

Officers said they also want to speak to another man captured on CCTV in the area.

The second man can be seen for a few seconds walking on the opposite side of Heworth Road.

He was wearing a light-coloured top and carrying a light-coloured item, which could possibly be a bag or a newspaper.

Police said he was also picked up on CCTV a few minutes later walking past the Costcutter shop in Heworth Road, which is at the junction with East Parade and Dales Lane.

Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway, who is leading the inquiry, said: "I am hoping that the two people featured in the CCTV footage will come forward as a matter of urgency to help the investigation.

"I need to ask these two men if they recall seeing anything unusual or suspicious that morning, or even if they possibly saw a woman matching Claudia's description or any other person who was out and about at that early time of day.

"Even the smallest, seemingly insignificant piece of information could prove vital in our efforts to find Claudia.

"So, please, if you recognise yourself in the images, get in touch with North Yorkshire Police as soon as possible.

"If anybody else can identify the men then let the police know so we can make inquiries to trace them."