Claudia Lawrence - Men to face NO charges

York chef missing for almost 7 years.

Published 9th Mar 2016

The family of Claudia Lawrence have spoken of their frustration after the CPS decided not to charge four men being investigated over her disappearance.

Ms Lawrence has been missing for seven years this month having disappeared on 18 March 2009.

The 35-year-old was reported missing the following day when she failed to arrive for her 6am shift as a cook at York University.

She is presumed to have been murdered, though her body has never been discovered.

Four men were arrested last year on suspicion of murder but will now not face charges.

We spoke to Martin Dales, a family friend:

"I know Peter, the family and Claudia's friends will be feeling that the search for what has happened to Claudia seems to have turned out to be yet another false dawn in an already forlorn situation.

"The police have worked tirelessly to try and find answers but currently without success. It is nearly the seventh anniversary of Claudia disappearing and it seems that we're all back to square one: it's really quite depressing especially as someone is clearly withholding the information needed."

Police also believe there are people who know what happened.

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn said: "I am sure that there are some people who know, or who have very strong suspicions about, what happened to Claudia. For whatever reason, they have either refused to come forward, or have been economic with the truth.

"I am left with the inescapable conclusion that this case could still be solved if only people were honest with us. The fact that they are not is agonising for Claudia's family and they should be ashamed of themselves."

Det Supt Malyn added that he was "strongly in favour" of the theory that those responsible were close to Ms Lawrence.

And he believes an unidentified man captured on CCTV near Ms Lawrence's home on the night of her disappearance is key to the inquiry.

Twenty detectives and police staff started reviewing the case in 2013 but have been left "frustrated" that this work, costing ÂŁ800,000, has so far come to nothing.

"I have personally told them (the family) that North Yorkshire Police will never give up on Claudia," said Det Supt Malyn.

"The case will remain open until the day Claudia has been found and those responsible for her suspected murder are brought to justice."

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.