THE investigation into the disappearance of North Yorkshire woman, Claudia Lawrence, is to be scaled down, police have revealed.

North Yorkshire Police said the decision had been taken after "detailed scrutiny".

Miss Lawrence, 35 and a chef from York, was last seen on March 18, 2009. Her disappearance is being treated as suspected murder.

Tim Madgwick, assistant chief constable of North Yorkshire Police, said: "North Yorkshire Police have conducted a thorough and detailed investigation into the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence which has included the deployment of specialist resources for a considerable period of time.

"During the past 16 months, as leads are followed, investigated and actions completed, we are now in a position where there is no longer a requirement for the level of resources allocated to the inquiry.

"The decision to reduce dedicated resources has been taken after several months of further review and detailed scrutiny.

"Claudia's family have been fully informed about the current position of the investigation. They have been assured that our overriding desire is to bring the person or persons responsible for Claudia's disappearance to justice.

"The investigation remains open and will be continuously reviewed with the necessary resources allocated should any new evidence or lines of enquiry emerge."

Mr Madgwick said there would be a gradual reduction of resources over the coming weeks as lines of inquiry were completed.