Deadline’s nearing to claim £41m lottery win

LOTTERY organisers are hunting for the winner of a £41million jackpot – with the first deadline approaching fast.

A mystery ticket holder matched all five main numbers and the two Lucky Stars in the December 3 EuroMillions draw.

But, so far, no one has come forward to claim the prize.

National Lottery operator Camelot has disclosed the winning ticket was bought in Dorset, but will not reveal any further information in case the winner wishes to remain anonymous.

Under its licence, Camelot has the discretion to pay prizes in respect of lost, destroyed or stolen tickets only if the player has submitted a claim in writing by 5pm on January 2.

Camelot will then determine whether the claim is valid, and would then pay the prize 180 days after the draw date.

However, there is a second deadline for anyone with the winning ticket still in their possession – they have until midnight on Sunday, May 31, 2020, to make their claim.

Players in Dorset are now being urged to double-check their old tickets.

The £40,957,696 win was the seventh EuroMillions jackpot to be won in the UK this year. The winning numbers were 18, 31, 32, 38 and 48, with the Lucky Stars 4 and 12.

If no one comes forward with the winning ticket before the final May 31 deadline, the prize money, plus all the interest it has generated, will go to help National Lottery funded projects across the UK.

Lottery spokesman Andy Carter said: “We’re doing all we can to reunite the ticket holder with this amazing £41million win.”