Claudia Lawrence: Police renew appeal 13 years after her disappearance
Claudia Lawrence's case prompted the largest missing person inquiry in York
It's been thirteen years since the disappearance and suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence, from York.
Claudia Lawrence, who was a chef at the University of York, and daughter to Malton Town Councillor and former Town Mayor, Joan Lawrence, was last seen and heard from on 18 March 2009.
Her case prompted the largest and most complex missing person inquiry in the North Yorkshire Police force’s history.
In a statement, police say it 'remains committed to establishing the truth about what happened to her'.
Despite two separate inquiries, and a review involving hundreds of police personnel and national experts, which included an intensive search activity conducted last summer at Sand Hutton gravel pits, no trace has ever been found of the missing 35-year-old.
In January 2017, North Yorkshire Police took the decision to scale back the investigation and to move into a “reactive” phase.
On the 13th anniversary of Claudia's disappearance, Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox, who now leads the inquiry, said:
“This announcement followed an extensive three-year review and reinvestigation of the original case, conducted by a team of 20 dedicated investigators and supported by experts in varying fields and from the National Crime Agency.
“It was made clear at the time, however, that the then newly-formed Cleveland and North Yorkshire Cold Case Review Team would retain responsibility for reviewing new information which may be relevant to the inquiry.
“In the years that followed, we have continued to receive information about Claudia.
“All of this has been evaluated and, when assessed as potentially viable, we have actively pursued specific new lines of enquiry – as we did at Sand Hutton last summer.
“Whilst the inquiry is in a reactive phase, I want to stress that it is not closed.
“Every new piece of information or material is thoroughly assessed for investigative value and tested against the significant amounts of material which have been acquired over the last 13 years.
“I hope that the nature and scale of activity undertaken in August last year demonstrates that we continue in our efforts to thoroughly investigate any line of enquiry which is deemed pursuable, and, despite the passage of time, we remain determined to provide the answers that Claudia’s mother, sister and her many friends so desperately need and deserve."
On 24th August 2021, North Yorkshire Police shared the following video update on the first day of searches at Sand Hutton Gravel Pits:
Renewed appeal for information
In a statement released 13 years after Claudia Lawrence's disappearance, Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox renewed the police's appeal as he thanked members of the public who've contributed to the investigation:
“I am extremely grateful to those members of the public who have provided information, and I repeat my appeals to anyone else who may have information which is relevant to Claudia’s disappearance to share that information with us", says Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox.
“Although it is 13 years since Claudia disappeared, I still firmly believe that the public have a vital part to play in supporting our efforts.
“Given the sheer amount of material acquired, and the number of enquiry lines pursued, it may be the case that what could appear to be insignificant, could actually be the key to finally resolving this inquiry.”
Police are asking anyone who might have seen or heard from Claudia, or has any information, to contact the police on 101.