We’re still looking at new lines of inquiry on Claudia, says detective
Twelve years after the 35-year-old vanished, detectives seek new information about the case
THE DETECTIVE leading the murder investigation into the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence has revealed officers are still looking at new lines of inquiry 12 years after she vanished.
University of York chef Miss Lawrence was last seen on March 18, 2009, walking close to her home in the Heworth district of the city.
Despite North Yorkshire Police launching its biggest ever investigation, no-one has ever been charged in connection with Miss Lawrence’s disappearance.
Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox, the head of the force’s Major Investigation Team, has now revealed that officers are continuing to “receive information though a variety of sources”.
He added: “If you know something that could help us find Claudia, or those involved in her disappearance and suspected murder, please come forward. It is not too late. I, and my team, are ready to pursue any positive and significant new line of inquiry that is brought to our attention.”
Miss Lawrence’s mother, Joan Lawrence, 77, from Norton in North Yorkshire, told The Yorkshire Post that she wakes up every day thinking of her daughter.
“Even now, I still feel like it is all a bad dream,” she said. “I don’t know how I have got through it. I have a very strong personality, and without that, I don’t think I would have got through it.
“I have bad days, but then I realise I have a lot to be thankful for.
“Every day is a gift. John Sentamu (the former Archbishop of York) told me to take it a day at a time, and he was right. It is difficult to plan ahead, even now. It is difficult to describe each day how I feel.”
Just over a month after Miss Lawrence vanished, detectives confirmed the inquiry had been escalated to a murder investigation rather than simply a search for a missing person.
Nine people were arrested or interviewed under caution, and police files were submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service in 2015 in relation to four men who were detained. But there was insufficient evidence to bring charges against those arrested.
A FRESH call for information has been issued to mark the 12th anniversary of the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence, as the murder detective leading the investigation urged people to come forward and stop the “unrelenting anguish” caused to her family and friends.
Today marks 12 years since Miss Lawrence, of Heworth, in York, was last seen on March 18, 2009, at the age of 35.
Her father, Peter Lawrence, a solicitor from York died aged 74 last month without knowing what happened to his daughter. He reported her missing on March 20, 2009, after she failed to arrive for work the previous day.
Martin Dales, a friend of Mr Lawrence, has issued an impassioned plea for anyone with information to come forward.
Mr Dales, of Old Malton, said: “Despite the exhaustive efforts of Claudia’s late father Peter, family, friends and North Yorkshire Police, there are still no answers. It is tragic that Peter has died not knowing what has happened to her. More to the point, in light of no-one being brought to justice, there are still one or more people ‘at large’ in York or maybe somewhere else who do know what has happened to Claudia, and potentially remain a threat to the communities in which they and we live.”
Miss Lawrence’s mother, Joan Lawrence, told The Yorkshire Post that she believes a major breakthrough could still be achieved.
She said: “I have a gut feeling this year will bring something that could lead us to discover what has happened to Claudia.
“I pray for that each day. I don’t feel any cut-off from Claudia as a mother. I have never felt that. I do not feel a tug that that has happened.”
She added: “If you give up hope, you might as well give up all together.
“Someone came forward with some information just the other week which they thought was important to the investigation. This happens quite often and I think that is because I am more approachable.”
Miss Lawrence was last seen at about 3.05pm on March 18, 2009, as she walked home at the junction of Heworth Road and East Parade from her shift as a chef at the University of York.
Miss Lawrence spoke to both her parents that evening over the telephone and was said to be in good spirits. That was the last time she chatted to them.
Despite North Yorkshire Police launching its biggest ever investigation, no-one has ever been charged in connection with Miss Lawrence’s disappearance.
A month after she vanished, the case was escalated to a murder investigation, but police confirmed in 2017 that the inquiry was being scaled back, although it would not be closed.
Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox, the head of the Major Investigation Team, revealed officers are still investigating new lines of inquiry 12 years on.
He said: “Today, on the 12th anniversary of her disappearance, our hearts go out to Claudia’s loved ones. They have endured unrelenting anguish and trauma throughout this time.”
If you give up hope, you might as well give up all together. Joan Lawrence, Claudia’s mother. The 35-year-old vanished on March 18, 2009.