POLICE have released new information about a significant line of inquiry in the hunt for Claudia Lawrence, as the missing chef’s father describes his “unbearable sorrow” on the 50-day anniversary of her disappearance.

Officers have now received more than 1,000 calls from members of the public offering information that might help the investigation, which is being treated by police as a suspected murder case. Claudia was last seen on Wednesday, March 18.

In the past 50 days, police have taken nearly 1,100 reports and statements and searched around 1,270 properties in what is the largest operation by North Yorkshire Police since the week-long hunt for quadruple murderer Mark Hobson in 2004.

Today, police have released an update on a reported sighting of two mysterious men at Claudia’s front door in the week before she disappeared.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said: “New information has now led police to believe that it was March 10 and that both of the men were Asian.

“One of the men was looking towards the downstairs window, even though the curtains are always drawn, while the second male was looking up at the first floor window.

“Police are appealing for anyone who saw these men in the area of Claudia’s house or for the men themselves to come forward, as they may have been at the house for an entirely innocent reason.”

One of the men is described as Asian, between 5ft 5ins and 5ft 6ins tall, with a distinctive, long, thin face with a pointed nose and dark circles under his eyes. He had a long, jutting jaw and dark, straight hair with a fringe. He was in his 20s to early 30s and was wearing what appeared to be a heavy coat, even though it was a hot day.

The second man was also Asian, of a heavier build, between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 8ins tall, and was wearing a waist-length jacket and jeans that had rivets around the back pockets.

Meanwhile, Claudia’s father, who said he still believed his daughter was alive, appealed to whoever is responsible for her disappearance to search their conscience and let Claudia return to her family.

Solicitor Peter Lawrence, 62, said: “It is now 50 days that Claudia has been away from us. The longer it goes on, the worse it gets for myself, the family and her friends – the strain is intolerable and the sorrow unbearable.

“I want to make yet another appeal to whoever is responsible for taking her away from her life in York to come forward so that she can be reunited with all of us who love her dearly.

“You know who you are. Search your conscience.

“We want Claudia back.”

If you have any information and have not already contacted the police, phone 0845 6060247 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.