POLICE say nothing significant was found during a search of an alleyway behind Claudia Lawrence’s home, but still feel the lead they were exploring is significant.

Detectives with North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit say they are reviewing their findings after overseeing a search of the alleyway behind Miss Lawrence’s home on Heworth Road, York.

A team of specialist search officers and police dogs supported the search and fresh house-to-house enquiries were carried out in the surrounding area.

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, who is leading the investigation, said the search of the alleyway behind her home was in response to a new lead.

“What I am able to say today (Thursday, February 26) is that although nothing of significance was found during the search of the alleyway behind Claudia’s house, the investigation team are still progressing this lead which may still be significant.

“We are now taking the necessary time to evaluate the information we did obtain yesterday from our enquiries including information obtained during house to house enquiries, and review how it fits together with other information that we are looking at in fine detail.”

Miss Lawrence, who worked as a chef at York University, was 35 when she vanished in March, 2009.

Her parents originally come from Darlington and she was brought up in Malton, North Yorkshire.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and pass details to the Force Control Room.

Alternatively, if you have any information about the Claudia Lawrence case you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at; www.crimestoppers-uk.org.