Police investigating Claudia Lawrence disappearance begin new search
The 35-year-old chef was last seen in York on 18th March 2009
Last updated 24th Aug 2021
Detectives say a new area of North Yorkshire is being searched as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence.
The 35-year-old chef was last seen on 18th March 2009, and police believe she was murdered, although no body has ever been found.
A search operation has now begun in gravel pits about eight miles from her home in York.
A cordon is in place in the village of Sand Hutton, to the east of the city, with underwater search teams and forensics at the scene.
Speaking at the scene, Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox, who took over as senior investigating officer in the case earlier this year, said: "The searches which have commenced here today at Sand Hutton Gravel Pits are in relation to the disappearance and suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence more than 12 years ago.
"While I cannot say at this stage how long the search may take, I do anticipate that a number of specialist officers and staff, including underwater search teams, and forensic experts are likely to be at this location for a number of days.
"Whilst I am unable to disclose what brought us to this location, I would like to stress that the searches that you will see in coming days are just one of several active lines of inquiry which are currently being investigated and pursued by North Yorkshire Police Major Investigation team in our efforts to establish what happened to Claudia and to identify any person responsible for causing her harm.
"I can confirm Claudia's family are aware this activity is taking place."
Looking back at the 12 year investigation
Claudia was reported missing on Friday 20th March 2009, after she didn't turn up for work as a chef at the University of York at 6am the day before.
Her parents last heard from her on Wednesday 18th March 2009, when she spoke to both of them on the phone in the evening.
Following concerns raised by her friends, Claudia’s dad reported her missing on Friday 20th March 2009.
Despite the intensive police search effort, in and around the Heworth and York University area, and detailed enquiries further a field, Claudia’s disappearance remained unexplained and treated as suspected murder.
A number of people have been arrested in relation to the case, but never charged, and despite TV appeals and searches, Claudia's disappearance remains unsolved.
In March of this year, North Yorkshire Police provided an update on the 12th anniversary of her last sighting:
Death of Claudia's father, Peter Lawrence
Claudia's father, Peter Lawrence, died in February of this year, aged 74.
He never found out what happened to Claudia, but campaigned for new legislation, passed in 2017, allowing family members to take control of someone's finances if they've been missing for 90 days or more.
He was recognised for his efforts in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2018, receiving an OBE.
At the time of his death, Peter's friend Martin Dales told Greatest Hits Radio: "It's a huge strain on anybody, and the reality is that he's found strength that he probably didn't know he'd actually got, which of course is something that does come when you're facing a crisis like a missing daughter.
"To be thrust into the media limelight with police investigations and all the rest of it, attempting to find Claudia, that in itself took a bit of getting used to."
The Lawrence family released a statement in February, saying: "Despite Peter's death, the message remains the same - where is Claudia?
"Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101."