Following the arrest, police have now confirmed they are searching a pub in York, with forensic specialists cordoning off the Acomb Hotel – which is one of the last places Claudia, 35, was seen.
Claudia vanished in 2009, disappearing without a trace and failing to show up for her shift at work.
Mick Snelling, 59, was recently arrested for Claudia’s murder, but released on bail.
READ: CLAUDIA LAWRENCE - 59-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF MURDER
Following the confirmation today that they were searching the property in York, police confirmed a 46-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of ‘perverting the course of justice’.
Eight police vehicles arrived at the hotel early this morning, according to eye witnesses, accompanied by sniffer dogs.
A spokesman for Claudia’s father said: “Peter remains very grateful for all the hard work that North Yorkshire Police are continuing to put into finding Claudia.
READ: CLAUDIA LAWRENCE - 59-YEAR-OLD MAN RELEASED ON BAIL
“It has to be hoped that this is another vital piece in the jigsaw of information that needs to come together.”
West Yorkshire Police sent a tweet tonight saying: “We are dealing with an ongoing incident at the Acomb Hotel, Kngsway West. Updates will follow when we can.”
Following Claudia’s disappearance in March 2009, a nationwide search was launched but a body was never found.