Claudia Lawrence, police seek ‘Melrosegate Bridge smoker': York
(YO31 - Friday, 1 May, 2009)

Police investigating the disappearance of 35-yr-old Claudia Lawrence have renewed their appeal to identify a left-handed smoker seen with a woman on Melrosegate Bridge.

Officers launched an appeal to trace them both last week, but so far no-one has come forward with any information.

The man and woman were seen by a passing cyclist at around 5:35 on the morning of Thursday 19 March.

The cyclist was travelling from Rawdon Avenue towards Heworth Road and they were seen to the cyclist's left.

The woman had her back to the railings (but not up against them).

The man was described as:

• around 5ft 6in tall
• skinny build
• wearing a dark-coloured hooded top with the hood up, dark-coloured combat trousers with pockets on the side
• holding a cigarette in his left hand

The woman was described as:

• smaller than the man
• mousy-brown hair
• wearing a blue, waist-length jacket with buttons and pockets detail

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway, said:

"We are keen to trace the man and woman or anyone who may have seen them.

"We are appealing  to any other members of the public who were in the are on the Thursday morning and may have seen two people in the bridge, or anyone who knows a left-handed smoker who matches the man's description to come forward as a matter of urgency.

"They could have vital information which could help our investigation.

"It may be that the man and woman are totally unconnected to the enquiry, but we need them to come forward to enable us to eliminate them."

Anyone who can help, please contact police on 0845 60 60 247.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: North Yorkshire

Address:
Melrosegate Bridge
York
YORKSHIRE
YO31