Former Midlands cop in hope for missing woman
MISSING Claudia Lawrence “could be found safe” 15 years after she vanished, a Birmingham City University academic said this week.
Ex-police officer Ron Winch said an “open mind” must be kept.
University of York chef Claudia, 35, was last seen and heard from on March 18, 2009. North Yorkshire Police launched a murder probe sixweeks later, but no-one has ever been charged and her body has never been found.
Associate professor Mr Winch, who served with West Midlands Police and the Met for three decades, said the police force faces significant challenges in their investigation.
“Inquiries such as in Claudia’s case are characterised... as a ‘no-body’ homicide,” he said. “These are particularly challenging as forensic evidence, scene examination and deposition sites aren’t readily available.
“North Yorkshire Police need to keep an open mind about the investigation
as there’s a chance the victim could be found safe. Anniversary dates are important, too, as publicity can help generate information and for witnesses to come forward.
“The gender of Claudia Lawrence may affect the risk-assessment but the factors are mainly determined through the vulnerability of the person and circumstances of the case. North Yorkshire Police must go
where the evidence takes them, and investigations like Claudia’s disappearance are never closed.”
North Yorkshire Police issued a public appeal for information on Monday, the 15th anniversary of her disappearance. Senior investigating officer Wayne Fox said the case remains open and officers will continue to work “tirelessly in their continued search for the truth”.
He said: “Speaking purely as a parent, my thoughts... remain with her mum Joan. For such pain and despair to continue for 15 years... that is far beyond what any mum or dad should ever have to live with.
“I also think about Claudia’s dad, Peter, who tragically passed away three years ago without ever knowing what happened to his daughter.”
He added: “The single barrier to unlocking the answers for Claudia’s loved ones and bringing those responsible for her disappearance to justice, remains the same – silence.
“Silence from the people who know, or may suspect, what happened to Claudia but have, so far... been unable to come forward.
“There may be many reasons [why], however, my plea to them on reaching 15 years of living with the knowledge you have, is to do the right thing and make a report.”
Anyone with information should make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.