North Yorkshire Police defend investigation into disappearance of Claudia Lawrence

North Yorkshire Police say they will continue to assess any information that may come in about the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence in York 14 years ago.

It's after claims from her mother that she's being kept in the dark about the investigation.

In a recent interview Joan Lawrence says she feels the police aren't doing enough to find out what exactly happened to her daughter.

She's now wants to meet up with the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire police.

In a statement the force say they're still open to receiving new information about the case:

'It is disappointing to North Yorkshire Police that Mrs Lawrence feels such dissatisfaction.

In 2017, the investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence was scaled back to a reactive status.

This decision was taken at the conclusion of a comprehensive review and reinvestigation of the case, which commenced in 2013 and lasted four years.

That review, which followed separate independently led inspections of the case, involved support from national experts in varying fields and the National Crime Agency.

Even with the investigation in a reactive status, the inquiry continues to benefit from information shared by the public.

It is our hope that Mrs Lawrence, and the wider communities of York and North Yorkshire, recognise that the Senior Investigating Officer and the Major Investigation Team take seriously all such information.

Police claim continued support has been offered to Claudia's family

The statement continues: 'North Yorkshire Police has consistently strived to maintain a professional and respectful relationship with Claudia’s family and this approach will continue.

We will also continue to assess all information which reaches the inquiry for its potential development.

From time to time, information which we receive from the public is established to have been previously investigated.

This was the case with regards to recent speculation linking convicted Wiltshire murderer Christopher Halliwell to Claudia Lawrence. The ‘new’ witness referenced within that speculation had, some years ago, been interviewed at length by officers from the Major Investigation Team.

Nevertheless, North Yorkshire Police continues to urge the public to pass on any information that could help the investigation. This is to ensure a full assessment can be undertaken and developed where opportunity exists to do so.

With this in mind, we very much hope to remain engaged with Claudia’s family to keep them informed about the investigation and to provide them with any support they may require going forward.'

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