New Search For Information On Claudia Lawrence

Detectives investigating the disappearance and suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence are carrying out fresh enquiries and searches on an alleyway close to her York home.

The Major Crime Unit is examining the area at the back of Claudia's house on Heworth Road as they develop possible new lines of enquiry as part of the ongoing review into the original investigation.

Specialist search officers and a police dog are supporting the operational activity, which includes further house-to-house enquiries in the area as well as contacting former residents.

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, head of North Yorkshire Police's Major Crime Unit and the senior investigating officer in the Claudia Lawrence case, said:

"The review remains very active and the team are currently working on a lead that may indicate the alleyway at the rear of Claudia's house is significant."

"We still don't know if Claudia left for work on the morning of Thursday 19th March 2009 or whether something happened overnight within her house. If the latter is the case the person or persons responsible, in my view, would have used the rear alleyway as the front door leads onto a busy main road. This is why this specific piece of information needs to be fully investigated."

"The activity today focuses on the alleyway with search trained officers and a dog. Officers will be conducting house-to-house enquiries in the vicinity to jog people's memories about any vehicular access to the alleyway and how frequently this was used by neighbours or other pedestrians. This includes contacting people who have since moved away from the area to assist the investigation. We are also checking again that no CCTV recording equipment in the neighbourhood has been overlooked."

"This remains one of several active enquiries at present that will be developed over the coming weeks and months."

"Together with Claudia's family, we remain absolutely determined to solve this case and bring those responsible for her disappearance and suspected murder to justice."

The police work comes just days before Claudia's family mark her 41st birthday on Friday 27 February.

Det Supt Malyn added:

"This is a very poignant week for Claudia's family and friends as they should be celebrating her 41st birthday on Friday, rather than marking another upsetting milestone since she disappeared almost six years ago. Our thoughts are with her loved-ones at this difficult time and as we approach the sixth anniversary of the investigation next month."

Claudia's family have been briefed about today's activity and our trained family liaison officers will continue to support them during these difficult times.