He declined to reveal the location of the beauty spot but indicated it was not at the gravel pits near Sand Hutton which were searched by North Yorkshire Police last year, with nothing of significance found. Lawrence's handbag containing her purse, bank cards and passport was in the house. Claudia Lawrence disappeared from York seven years ago "It has been an ongoing nightmare, particularly for parents Joan and Peter and sister Ali, as they wait for news of her whereabouts. December - Joan reveals she will never give up hope as she begs someone to "end my torture" and tell police what happened. FebruaryFresh searches take place in the alleyway behind Lawrences home in Heworth. This campaigning eventually succeeded with the passing of "The Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017" which was introduced to Parliament as a Private Members' Bill. His friend Martin Dales said there were people "at large" who had information. [32] Searches were made of the suspect's house in York and his mother's house in North Shields, Tyneside. A lake is being searched by police investigating the suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence, the 35-year-old chef whose disappearance has remained unsolved since 2009 . "The fact that they are prepared to invest all these resources in a search for days or weeks tells me they think the information they are acting upon is pretty good," he added. It was considered likely that her killer was a local man known to her. He died aged 74 in St Leonards Hospice, not knowing what happened to his daughter, after suffering from a short illness. However, NYP officers checked her route to work and sent out a public request for information. A fresh appeal for answers about missing Claudia Lawrence has been made on the eve of the anniversary of her disappearance. [26] The search at Heslington was later considered to have been prompted by hoax information.[27]. The 35-year-old failed to turn up for work in March 2009 . That Lawrence had been the victim of a person known to her. MarchNorth Yorkshire police say they are carrying out DNA analysis of a partial profile found on a cigarette in a car. That evening she spoke to both of her parents in separate phone. Claudias Law otherwise known as the Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017 came into force on July 31, 2019, allowing families of missing loved ones the ability to take control of their financial affairs in their absence. March 23 - Mr Lawrence describes his daughter's disappearance as a "living nightmare" during a news conference in York. CLAUDIA Lawrence's mum says she feels "churned up inside" as cops search gravel pits for her daughter 12 years after she went missing. She would be a very different woman to the single gadabout she was as a 35-year-old. Claudia Lawrence inquiry: Man near alley 'still key' - BBC News ", Joan added: "I have been waiting for closure for a long time but I remain in the dark about what has sparked this investigation and it's obviously a very distressing time.". [35] Other arrests were made later. JanuaryPolice announce the investigation, which by this time has cost 1m, is being scaled down to a reactive phase, and would only review any new and compelling information that comes to light. [42] Ground-penetrating radar equipment and cadaver dogs were used in the search. He lived close to her home and had been a colleague of hers at the University of York. Please report any comments that break our rules. Police today revealed they are searching Sand Hutton gravel pits in York - around seven miles from where Claudia was last seen. It allows relatives to take control of their missing loved ones' financial matters. Speak to all soon. The new law became popularly known as "Claudia's Law".[52]. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. February - Claudia's dad Peter dies without ever discovering what happened to his daughter, March - A fresh appeal is launched on the 12th anniversary of her disappearance, August 24 - Police confirm they are searching the gravel pits at Sand Hutton. Martin paid tribute to Mr Lawrence, with whom he had enjoyed a 40-year friendship, following the update. The gravel pits are believed to have been used as fishing ponds since 1969. Family spokesperson Martin Dales said the tribute was originally found on January 28. Claudia, 35, went missing in 2009, and the tribute flowers were attached to a missing photo of the chef alongside a note which reads God bless her, she is in the water.. The car's brake lights come on as it approaches level with Lawrence's cottage. Tourism workers claim to remember seeing Lawrence in Cyprus in Paphos in March. July 29 - Police confirm they are reducing the number of officers dedicated to the inquiry into Miss Lawrence's disappearance. I. Lawrence was normally a prolific user of her mobile, a Samsung SGH-D900, so Cooper was surprised when she was unable to attract a response. That evening she spoke to both of her parents in separate phone calls, but failed to arrive for her shift at Goodricke College the following day. The change in the law means families of missing loved ones will be able to take control of their financial affairs in their absence. Read about our approach to external linking. [5], Lawrence had holidayed several times in Cyprus, where she was believed to have explored job opportunities. Ms Lawrence doesn't turn up for her 6am shift as a chef at the University of York - a walk of several miles from her house. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. It's an unusual situation for a member of the public to come across something like this.". [39] The land had been used as fishing ponds since 1969. I believe he KILLED Claudia Lawrence: Shock claim by hero - Express "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Nine people have been questioned over the years in relation to her disappearance. The force concentrated ona tennis court-sized areawhere they cut down small trees and appeared to take top soil for testing. "More to the point in the light of there being no one brought to justice in the 12 years, there are still one or more people 'at large' in York or maybe somewhere else now who do know what has happened to Claudia, and where she is and potentially remain a threat to the communities in which they and we live.". During the investigation into her disappearance nine people were arrested but none have ever been charged. "Lawrence began relationships with several men whom she met while drinking in the pub, and her father admitted that the liaisons had created 'awkward situations' with her lovers' partners". Nine people have been questioned, but no charges have ever been brought. It comessix months after the death ofher solicitor dad Peter, 74, who worked tirelessly to find her. Police in York are searching a flooded quarry for the remains of Claudia Lawrence, who went missing in 2009. Its just really, really hard. Halliwell is currently serving life in jail for killing Sian OCallaghan, 22, and 20-year-old Becky Godden. [43] At the end of the search detective Wayne Fox, senior investigating officer in the Lawrence case, stated that nothing significant had been found. Ms Lawrence lived by herself in the Heworth area of York and has not been heard from since 18 March 2009, when she spoke with her parents over the phone and sent a final text to a friend at 8.23pm. [30] CCTV footage, recovered in 2009, showed a silver Ford Focus hatchback car, manufactured between 1998 and 2004, driving along Heworth Road. Police refused to disclose what had drawn them to the Sand Hutton gravel pits but said the search would go on for a number of days. Claudia Lawrence: New police search in gravel pits eight miles from For a privately educated daughter of a country solicitor, Claudia had some unusual acquaintances and this remains the only missing person case where I have been warned off or threatened not once but twice". Mr Dales said: "Despite the exhaustive efforts of Claudia's late father Peter, family, friends and North Yorkshire Police, there are still no answers and it is tragic that Peter has died not knowing what has happened to her. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. MayAbout 20 officers search a property in the hamlet of Ellerton, approximately 10 miles from York. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. She failed to arrive for work at York University the next day and was reported missing by her father, Peter. AprilThree more men, all in their 50s, are arrested on suspicion of Lawrences murder, and police search three separate properties in and around Heworth. The note also had two pointing arrows drawn on it, but police have claimed that the person who left the item is known to them and there are no links to the ongoing search. This indicates that the phone itself did not leave the local area. Det Supt Wayne Fox thanked the public for their "positive responses and new information". He said: "It could be interpreted in all sorts of ways. BBCapologises to mother of missing woman over licence fee letters, Claudia Lawrences mother appeals for help 13 years after disappearance, Claudia Lawrence: police find no new clues in lake search, Police search quarry near York for Claudia Lawrence remains, Claudia Lawrence: renewed call for information on woman missing since 2009, Father of missing chef Claudia Lawrence dies at 74, Tenyears on, Claudia Lawrence search frustrated by withheld information, Claudia Lawrence case fits behaviour pattern of Christopher Halliwell. Detectives have previously said they "strongly suspect key and vital information" which would offer a breakthrough was being "withheld" and that the answer to her disappearance lies "locally". DETECTIVES investigating the death of missing Claudia Lawrence have been handed a floral tribute claiming that she is "in the water" of a beauty spot. In November they say the lead has come to nothing. Speaking on Wednesday, she said her biggest fear was what the police might find. I dont know what to think. For other inquiries, Contact Us. This page was last edited on 15 April 2023, at 18:41. Lawrence's father was a prosperous solicitor. University chef Ms Lawrence was last seen at 15.05 on Wednesday 18 March 2009 walking towards her home on Heworth Road, York. She also fails to attend work. During the investigation into her disappearance nine people were. Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox explained: "When we assessed these separate and independently-sourced pieces of information against the wealth of information already generated during the last 12 years, we found they correlated with other information pointing to the area of Sand Hutton. "It's been quite a long time since the police has said anything new, because of course if you haven't got the information you haven't got anything new to say really. Using what were described as "advanced techniques not available in 2009",[30] the MCU found additional fingerprints and a man's DNA on a cigarette end in her car. Claudia Lawrence's mum left 'stunned' at Nicola Bulley - Metro Although police believe she was murdered, no body has ever been found. He said: "A small number of items were recovered during the two-week search. BBCapologises to mother of missing woman over licence fee letters, Claudia Lawrences mother appeals for help 13 years after disappearance, Claudia Lawrence: police find no new clues in lake search, Police search quarry near York for Claudia Lawrence remains, Claudia Lawrence: timeline of her disappearance, Claudia Lawrence: renewed call for information on woman missing since 2009, Tenyears on, Claudia Lawrence search frustrated by withheld information, Claudia Lawrence case fits behaviour pattern of Christopher Halliwell. contact the editor here. A man seen near the home of missing Claudia Lawrence remains a key person to trace 10 years on, police have said. Chef Claudia, 35, was last seen on the evening of March 18, 2009, close to her home in Heworth, Yorks. Although convicted of only two murders Halliwell has been linked to many other violent offences against women involving assaults, rapes, disappearances and murders. NovemberA hoax message is left on Facebook by a teenager from Oxfordshire, purporting to be from Lawrence, saying: Hi everyone just let you be aware that I am ok and I am safe and sound. FebruaryPeter Lawrence dies aged 74, not knowing what happened to his daughter. Photographs of Lawrence are posted all around York, on traffic lights, in shops, on buses and in car windows. Work surrounding her mobile phone showed from cell site activity that she had spent time in the Acomb area of York in the weeks leading up to her disappearance. Mr Lawrence spearheaded a nationwide search for his daughter Claudia which cost police around 1 million over the last decade. Many theories have been put forward over the years - including Claudia may have been trafficked to Amsterdam or moved to Cyprus but police have found no evidence of either. The Lawrence family said in a statement: It is sad that nearly 12 years after Claudias disappearance from York, Peter never found out what has happened to her. University chef Ms Lawrence was last seen at 15.05 on Wednesday 18 March 2009 walking towards her home on Heworth Road, York. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. @megbaynes, Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. A house in Thornton-le-Dale is the latest to be searched in connection with the case. Her father contacted the police two days later after she failed to meet a friend at the Nags Head pub, or turn up to work. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? He died aged 74 in St Leonards Hospice, not knowing what happened to his daughter, after suffering from a short illness. Claudia Lawrence: Mystery 'she's in the water' note found in search for At 8pm she texts a friend then speaks to her mum around 30 minutes later where she sounds "cheerful and relaxed". We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. Claudia Lawrence inquiry: Man near alley 'still key' - BBC News [22] In October, NYP revealed they were looking for the driver of a "rusty white van" who was seen trying to talk to women on Lawrence's route to work in the days before she disappeared. "Given that situation as well, I'd like to hope that people might be forthcoming with information. [20] It was reported that the last text message received by Lawrence was from a man who was on the island. Claudia Lawrence was born in Malton, North Yorkshire in 1974. She is seen again at 3.05pm and a reported sighting is made of her dropping a letter in a post box. His daughter, a 35-year-old chef at the University of York, was reported missing on 19 March 2009 after she did not show up for her shift that morning. An underwater search team searches culverts that form part of the property. DETECTIVES investigating the death of missing Claudia Lawrence have been handed a floral tribute claiming that she is in the water of a beauty spot. In his book, Stephen Fulcher stated that Halliwell had links to Yorkshire because his father lived there, however, his father lived in Huddersfield, some distance from York, and his father had died several years before Lawrence's disappearance. [16] Also in June, 100 days after his daughter went missing, Peter Lawrence launched a YouTube appeal for information. Video, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, Met Gala 2023: Stars celebrate Karl Lagerfeld, Shooting suspect was deported four times - US media, Photo of Princess Charlotte shared as she turns 8, Yellen warns US could run out of cash in a month, King Charles to wear golden robes for Coronation, More than 100 police hurt in French May Day protests, Street piano confiscated as public 'break rules'. It is understood that the flowers and note were not found in the area close to the Sand Hutton gravel pits which cops combed over last year. It is notable that OCallaghan was murdered by Halliwell on 19 March 2011 and her body was concealed. That Lawrence had suffered an accident or medical emergency on her way into work. CLAUDIA Lawrence's mum says she feels "churned up inside" as cops search gravel pits for her daughter 12 years after she went missing. Claudia Lawrence was last heard from in 2009 and although police believe she was murdered, no body has ever been found. All rights reserved. [24] On 24 March, land near to a children's play area, near a muddy farm track, was searched, and on 25 March the search was relocated to a field near to the university, an area of land which is bordered by a playing field and student accommodation. Police are searching the area around a flooded quarry for the remains of Claudia Lawrence, a York-based chef who went missing 12 years ago. MarchThe Sunday Express claims Lawrence was planning a new life in Cyprus before her disappearance. A licensed taxi driven by Halliwell pulled up beside her and she was offered a ride to her home. Claudia Lawrence: Father of missing chef dies with mystery - Metro Claudia Lawrence, 35, went missing in 2009 and has never been found (Picture: PA) In 2021, police drained a lake at Sand Hutton Gravel Pits, near York, in the search for the missing. "I don't know what to think. The note also had two pointing arrows drawn on it, but police have claimed that the person who left the item is known to them and there are no links to the ongoing search. One hopes somebody has given some sort of information and it's not just sending police running up a garden path. Her mum said: The Claudia the police are looking for isnt the Claudia I know.. March 18 - Claudia finishes work at 2.30pm and is given a lift home to Heworth Road at around 2.50pm. His death comes 12 years after his daughter vanished in the . Claudia Elizabeth Lawrence (born 27 February 1974) is an English woman who was last seen and heard from on 18 March 2009. His barrister said Oxley said attention-seeking and grandiose things after he was arrested to those in authority to misrepresent his own position. Harris stated that Lawrence had been a customer at his pub in the weeks before her disappearance and he had spoken to her, but stated that was his only connection with her. They also closed a road outside York Biotech Campus, which sits between the flooded gravel pits and the busyA64, and is about nine miles from Claudias former home in York. The force added that they remain committed to finding out what happened to her, and pleaded with anyone who had information to come forwards. Read about our approach to external linking. Editors' Code of Practice. While the exact location hasn't been revealed, it's understood the tribute wasn't discovered at Sand Hutton gravel pits, near York, where investigations took place last September. The Bill, which came into force in July 2019, allows the family of a missing person to apply to the court for guardianship of that person's estate 90 days after the disappearance. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Although that is not critical since she might have passed out of camera view or used a parallel street. The 35-year-old was witnessed walking. JulyA 46-year-old man is arrested at a York pub on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in connection with the Lawrence investigation. Two bottles of Hair dye, which were found in the home of Claudia Lawrence (Ross Parry) Miss Lawrence was last seen at around 3.05pm on March 18, walking back home from work. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. Cooper then attempted to contact Lawrence by telephone. Disappearance of Claudia Lawrence - Wikipedia A Gannett Company. Officers from North Yorkshire Police drained a lake in a bid to discover any evidence that could help crack the case, but left empty-handed. Police suspected she had 12 lovers in five years. Police divers scoured a popular fishing spot in a fresh search for Claudia. [47][48] Nevertheless, some observers believe that the NYP's focus on Lawrence's lifestyle and social circle may have been misguided. [18], In September 2009, NYP revealed that the search for Lawrence had been extended to Cyprus. Claudia Lawrence: Missing chef search prompts new information 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. Read about our approach to external linking. Its been 12 and a half years and I just need to know what has happened to Claudia. On 13 May 2014, a 59-year-old man was arrested by NYP on suspicion of Lawrence's murder. The force added that they remain committed to finding out what happened to her, and pleaded with anyone who had information to come forwards. Officers search two houses one in Burnholme Grove, York, and another in North Shields and seize one car. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? [7] At this point Cooper became alarmed and contacted mutual acquaintances including George Forman, landlord of The Nag's Head, to obtain information concerning her possible whereabouts. The two women discussed celebrating the forthcoming Mother's Day. Anna Chaussee, a senior lecturer in forensics at Winchester University, said those involved in the searches would be highly experienced officers with specialist training. Searches of Sand Hutton gravel pits, a fishing spot about eight miles (13km) outside the city, began on Tuesday. 35-year-old Ms Lawrence was reported missing on March 18 2009 after she failed to turn up for an early morning shift at the University of York. (modern). Mr Dales said he was giving the press conference because Peter, before his death, had asked him to keep Claudia in 'public lights' and ensure she was not forgotten. The Lawrence family statement said: Despite Peters death, the message remains the same where is Claudia? They ask that anyone with any information contact North Yorkshire police on 101. Is climate change killing Australian wine? He is released on police bail and eventually released without charge on November 17 2014. A new search for missing chef Claudia Lawrence is underway - Cosmopolitan 21 and 22 MarchA missing persons appeal is released by North Yorkshire police. I feel very anxious and bewildered. Mr Lawrence spearheadeda nationwide search for his daughter Claudiawhich cost police around 1 million over the last decade. A UK-wide attempt by police using DNA to identify a suspect in the case of missing chef Claudia . Read about our approach to external linking. March 23 - A man in his 50s is arrested on suspicion of murdering Miss Lawrence and is released on police bail the following day. January 17 - Mr Lawrence says he is "hugely depressed and disappointed" as the investigation into his daughter's disappearance is scaled down. [7][8] The two men found the house to be in an orderly state. 20 MarchHer father, Peter Lawrence, reports her missing. Claudia Lawrence: Police search of gravel pits near missing chef's home over with 'nothing of obvious significance' found, Claudia Lawrence: Police drain lake in search for clues 12 years after disappearance, Claudia Lawrence: 'End the unrelenting anguish' and come forward, top officer tells witnesses, "I can confirm Claudia's family are aware this activity is taking place.". Whilst these items are being assessed for their forensic potential, any relevance to Claudias disappearance has not currently been established.". Specialist search teams also pumped water for around a week, with one lake at the site left almost empty. Police in York are searching a flooded quarry for the remains of Claudia Lawrence, who went missing in 2009. "It could be interpreted in all sorts of ways," he said. Although her body has never been found, police believe she was murdered. Earlier this year, Mr Fox repeated the force's belief that several people know, or have suspicions about, what happened to the 35-year-old. Her phone is deliberately turned off at about 12.10pm. A cold case investigation looking into whetherconvicted killer Christopher Halliwell was involved in her disappearance was opened in 2019. The investigation was scaled down in 2017, leaving her father hugely disappointed and depressed. Aug 25, 2021. Claudia Lawrence was last heard from in 2009 and although police believe she was murdered, no body has ever been found. Campaigners say this is a huge step forward in recognising the responsibilities placed on relatives when someone disappears and the current legal difficulties in obtaining permission to act on their behalf. In August and September 2021 police engaged in the Lawrence case searched Sand Hutton Gravel Pits, a wooded area around 8 miles (13km) north-east of York city centre. The original NYP investigation of Lawrence's disappearance considered various possibilities, including: One critical piece of evidence was that Lawrence's mobile phone remained on until 12:10pm on 19 March, at which time it was deliberately switched off. The search was reportedly prompted by new evidence although police would not state what that new evidence was. Peter Lawrence, who was 74, died on Thursday at St Leonard's Hospice in York following a short illness, his family said in a statement. [17] In late August 2009, NYP and the Lawrence family used the annual Whitby Regatta in North Yorkshire to publicise the campaign. One such case is the disappearance of Swindon teacher Linda Razzell on 19 March 2002 while walking to work. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. But those concerned were all released and none were charged.[36]. Claudia was last seen near her home in Melrosegate, Heworth, York, on the evening of March 18, 2009. That Lawrence had been the victim of a chance encounter with a. [30] On the fifth anniversary of the disappearance, a new appeal was made on Crimewatch, which aired on 19 March 2014. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. [21], Later in September, detectives made a search of an area of the University of York campus. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. While I cannot say today at this stage how long the search will take today we do anticipate specialist officers, staff, and underwater search teams and forensic experts are likely to be at this location for a number of days.