Search for missing Claudia Lawrence: York
(YO10 - Tuesday, 31 March, 2009)

Update 31.03.2009 06:17

Further information re: Crimewatch appeal

Police have had confirmation that 37 calls were made to the Crimewatch programme following last night's appeal by Det Supt Galloway. This is in addition to the 14 calls that came into the North Yorkshire Police control room as outlined below.

Update 31.03.2009 06:17

Crimewatch appeal

Following the Crimewatch appeal, North Yorkshire Police received 14 calls between 9pm and 2am.

Commenting on the appeal, Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway said:

"We have received some interesting calls, particulalry about previous relationships, what we also want to know is about more recent relationships and anyone has shown an interest in Claudia lately.

"Anyone with any information, please call us. Your information will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Update 30.03.2009 16:27

Crimewatch Appeal

Further to tonight's Crimewatch appeal (BBC1, 9pm, Monday 30 March)

Det Supt Galloway will show replicas of Claudia's rucksack (pictured) and a replica of her mobile phone a Silver Samsung D900 (pictured).

Both items belonging to Claudia have not yet been recovered.

Update 30.03.2009 11:57

Concern about "Claudia Lawrence Appeal" website

It has been brought to our attention that a website going under the name of claudialawrence.com has been set up which is asking for donations to the "Claudia Lawrence Appeal".

Please be aware that neither Claudia's family or North Yorkshire Police have had any involvement with this website.

We strongly advise members of the public NOT to make donations.

North Yorkshire Police is making inquiries regarding the website.

Police say that they will be issuing updates.

Update 26.03.2009 11:45

Six civilian search and rescue teams from around the region have been drafted in to support the police as efforts continue to locate missing York woman Claudia Lawrence.

Searches, which will include the use of specialist search and rescue dogs, are due to begin on land near The Retreat at the University of York.

Update 23.03.2009

North Yorkshire Police is continuing the search for 35-year-old Claudia Lawrence who is missing from home in York.

A team of 40 officers have been scouring land in and around the St Nicholas Fields area as well as neighbourhood searches across the city.

Family and friends have also been distributing posters in the city centre.

Despite a good response to the media appeal with more than 25 people calling the dedicated inquiry room, Claudia's whereabouts remains a mystery.

To recap:

Claudia, who is a chef, left work at the University of York when she finished for the day on Wednesday 18 March at her usual time of about 2pm.

We know that she was then seen at about 3pm on Melrosegate walking towards Heworth and we believe that she got home.

Claudia spoke to both her Mum and Dad on Wednesday evening over the telephone and was in good spirits.

As far as we can establish, that was the last time anybody had any contact with Claudia.

Press conference held on Monday 23 March 2009

Good morning.

Thank you all for attending the press conference this morning as we continue the search for Claudia Elizabeth Lawrence from York, who has been missing from home since Wednesday 18 March.

I'm Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Pope from North Yorkshire Police. This is Claudia's Dad, Peter Lawrence who will be making a direct appeal for information to help locate his daughter, but firstly I will re-cap and update you on the current position of this missing persons inquiry.

Claudia is aged 35 and lives in the Heworth area of York. She works at the University of York as chef at Goodricke College.

Claudia is a happy and sociable person, has a number of friends and likes to socialise in the Nag's Head pub in Heworth and the Carlton Arms in Acomb York.

She has never gone missing before and there is nothing to suggest that she had any concerns or worries that would make her want to leave.

Her disappearance is completely out of character.

Claudia left work at the University when she finished for the day on Wednesday 18 March at her usual time of about 2:00 pm. We know that she was then seen at about 3pm on Melrosegate walking towards Heworth and we believe that she got home.

We know that Claudia spoke to both her Mum and Dad on Wednesday evening over the telephone and was in good spirits.

As far as we can establish, that was the last time anybody had any contact with Claudia.

The investigation team has carried out extensive inquiries and these efforts will continue.

However, so far we have not had any signs to confirm that Claudia is safe and well.

Claudia's family are extremely distressed by her disappearance and we are anxious to put an end to their anguish.

We are appealing to anyone who has seen Claudia, spoken to her or knows of her whereabouts to contact the police as a matter of urgency.

Or better still, if Claudia sees, hears or reads this appeal, please get in touch to let your family know you are safe and have not come to any harm.

Claudia is described as white, around 5ft 6in tall, slim with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and trainers.

We are also keen to locate Claudia's rucksack which is identical to this one - appeal if anyone finds this

A photograph of her has been circulated around the region and further a field.

Anyone with information that could help the inquiry, please contact the North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 24 7

I will now hand you over to Claudia's father, Peter.

Peter Lawrence.

On behalf of our family and everybody who loves and cares for Claudia, I am appealing to the people of York to help find her. Even the smallest piece of information or possible sighting could really help the police inquiry.

These past few days have been a living nightmare for us and we are sick with worry. We keep hoping and praying that Claudia will walk through the door or telephone to let us know she is okay. But the longer this goes on the harder it is to cope with this distressing situation.

It's the ‘not knowing' that is really hard to take, and the fact that Claudia has never gone missing before - it really is completely out of character for her.

If anyone has information that could help find her, then please contact North Yorkshire Police immediately.

That concludes the press conference.

Update 22.03.2009 14:04

York Woman Still Missing

Further to yesterday's appeal (see below) to trace missing York woman, Claudia Lawrence.

Claudia remains missing and enquiries are continuing across the city to establish her whereabouts.

Claudia's family have issued the following appeal:

"Claudia, we are extremely worried about you. Each day you remain out of contact, the more concerned and anxious we are becoming.

"We want you to know that you are not in any trouble and that everyone just wants to know that you are safe and well.

"Please, please get in touch and let us know you are ok."

Original appeal

York police are becoming increasingly concerned for the safety of a York woman who has gone missing from home.

35-yr-old Claudia Elizabeth Lawrence was last seen on Wednesday afternoon (18 March) by work colleagues at York University in Heslington. She left work at her usual time, around 2:15pm and has not been seen since.

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Pope who is leading the investigation, said:

"We are becoming increasingly concerned for Claudia's safety as it is completely out of character for her to be missing for so long.

"Claudia's family are becoming increasingly distressed at her disappearance and we area anxious to put an end to their anguish.

"We appeal to anyone who has seen Claudia, spoken to her or knows of her whereabouts to contact police urgently.

"Or better still, if Claudia hears or reads this appeal, please get in touch with friends, family or police and let us know that you are safe."

Claudia is described as:

• a white female
• aged 35 years
• around 5ft 6in tall,
• slim with brown hair and brown eyes
• last seen wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans and trainers

Anyone with any information, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247.

Police Force: North Yorkshire

Address:
University of York
Heslington
York
North Yorkshire
YO10