DETECTIVES say this week’s search of an alley behind Claudia Lawrence’s home was carried out in direct response to “very specific” information.

On Wednesday (February 25) specialist search officers and trained dog handlers carried out a detailed search of the alleyway behind Miss Lawrence’s home along and carried out fresh house-to-house enquiries in the surrounding area.

Her mother, Joan, 71, who is originally from Darlington and now lives in Malton, has said she was “appalled” that an area behind her daughter’s home – which includes old outbuildings in a mechanics’ garage compound - haven’t been searched earlier.

She said a search immediately after Claudia’s disappearance in 2009 might have thrown up vital clues and prevented her family years of heartbreak in not knowing what has happened to her.

Miss Lawrence, who worked in the kitchens of York University was 35 when she went missing. Today (Friday, February 27) would have been her 41st birthday.

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “Wednesday’s searches of the alleyway behind Claudia’s house were as a result of some very specific information.

“Throughout the review into Claudia’s disappearance, all the work we have done, including searches and forensics have been specific, based on an aspect of the review revealing an opportunity to maximise further evidence or new information.

“I would rather focus on the current inquiry and on finding answers for Claudia’s family than on discussing the previous investigation.”

Earlier this week Miss Lawrence’s father, Peter, said the family had now endured six years “without her company and her jollity”.