During the investigation into her disappearance nine people were. The chef, 35, failed to arrive for work at York University on 19 March,. Det Supt Dai Malyn blames liars for holding back the investigation, saying: I am convinced, and I know people have lied to us. Cooper then attempted to contact Lawrence by telephone. 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'. JanuaryThe remains of a woman are found by the River Ouse in York, later revealed to be Lisette Dugmore and not Lawrence. Her mother was a member of Malton Town Council and served a term as mayor of the town. "I don't know what to think. In his 2017 book, Catching a Serial Killer: My hunt for murderer Christopher Halliwell, Stephen Fulcher, the senior investigating officer in the murder of Sian O'Callaghan, suggests there are similarities between the Lawrence and O'Callaghan cases. Speaking at the scene, Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox, who took over as senior investigating officer in the case earlier this year, confirmed the search was in relation to Ms Lawrence's disappearance. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Lawrence's handbag containing her purse, bank cards and passport was in the house. 19 MarchShe does not arrive for her 6am shift at the University of York, where she works as a chef. "There are no substantive links to the inquiry. Chillingly, the date Claudia vanished is significant to Halliwell, whose former garden in Swindon wasdug up by cops in the search for more victims. [1], Lawrence remained single throughout her life while enjoying a gregarious social life. "They would not be going to all this trouble and expense for nothing," she said. [29], The MCU subsequently assessed the Lawrence case and carried out new forensic searches at her home on Heworth Road. 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. The investigation was also dampened by a lack of CCTV around Claudia's home as well as the fact she had no social media profile or smartphone when she vanished. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. 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. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. [42] Ground-penetrating radar equipment and cadaver dogs were used in the search. One such case is the disappearance of Swindon teacher Linda Razzell on 19 March 2002 while walking to work. "Not searching was not an option not for Claudia, not for her family, and not for the wider public.". Joan Lawrence says "every single day is a nightmare" since her daughter's disappearance. Although the police have treated Lawrence's case as that of murder, with various people arrested but later released, her fate is unclear. Mr Lawrence spearheaded a nationwide search for his daughter Claudia, which cost police around 1m over the last decade. [35] Other arrests were made later. A FLORAL tribute to missing York chef Claudia Lawrence has been discovered at a North Yorkshire beauty spot, with an accompanying picture of her and the message: "She is in the waterGod bless her.". Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Although police believe she was murdered, no body has ever been found. March 8 - Police say the CPS has decided the four men will not face charges. He said they had posted a report about this on the findclaudia website and had also informed North Yorkshire Police. [3], Lawrence enjoyed a comfortable childhood and was privately educated at the York College for Girls. Other officers formed a line to pick through undergrowth in the hunt for the university chef who detectives believe was murdered. Aug 25, 2021. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. An appeal for help was made by John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York. He was released on police bail the following day[33] and then released from his bail without charge in November of that year. On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry. She has not been seen or heard from since. He told the BBC that the legislation, which is officially known as the Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017, means there is one less burden at a time when families are at their emotional lowest ebb. VideoOn board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, I didnt think make-up was made for black girls, Why there is serious money in kitchen fumes. Speak to all soon. 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. [46], In 2009 Halliwell was living in Swindon, Wiltshire, the location of the two murders he was convicted of. Tragically, her father died earlier this year aged 74 without finding out what had happened to his daughter. Both Peter and Claudia's mum Joan never gave up hope she was still alive - with her dad previously revealing the pain of not knowing "eats into him". 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". I. A man seen near the home of missing Claudia Lawrence remains a key person to trace 10 years on, police have said. Nine people have been arrested or interviewed under caution in connection with the investigation. [19] Galloway also stated that some people who had been interviewed had been "reluctant and less than candid" when spoken to, and that a team of officers had been sent to Cyprus to interview people whom Lawrence met there. The force concentrated ona tennis court-sized areawhere they cut down small trees and appeared to take top soil for testing. 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. That Lawrence had suffered an accident or medical emergency on her way into work. He said police were confident that a breakthrough could come from the public sharing information with the force, as in other cold cases. FebruaryPeter Lawrence dies aged 74, not knowing what happened to his daughter. Specialist search teams also pumped water for around a week, with one lake at the site left almost empty. On the bottom of the page, there is a chilling note written in block capitals that reads "she is in the water", with two arrows pointing in one direction. The only CCTV camera on Lawrence's most direct route to work was at the Melrosegate Post Office, and the recording from the morning of 19 March did not show Lawrence passing. She is seen again at 3.05pm and a reported sighting is made of her dropping a letter in a post box. 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. Claudia Lawrence: New police search in gravel pits eight miles from home of missing York University chef. Is climate change killing Australian wine? The lead detective in the suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence says new information has been received since officers launched a search this week. 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. JanuaryDaniel Oxley, 22, is jailed for life for murdering a man in County Durham. That Lawrence had been the victim of a person known to her. Photographs of Lawrence are posted all around York, on traffic lights, in shops, on buses and in car windows. NYP was initially slow to act on grounds that Lawrence was not a vulnerable person and there was no obvious evidence of violence. She was employed as a chef at the University of York 's Goodricke College at the time of her disappearance. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. March 23 - Mr Lawrence describes his daughter's disappearance as a "living nightmare" during a news conference in York. He said he had been friends with Peter for nearly 40 years and shared his search for Claudia for 12 years, and missed him hugely. One hopes somebody has given some sort of information and it's not just sending police running up a garden path. December - Joan reveals she will never give up hope as she begs someone to "end my torture" and tell police what happened. All rights reserved. She later attended a local catering college and qualified as a chef. Nine people have been questioned, but no charges have ever been brought. Lawrences mobile phone did not leave the area before it left the phone network, which police believe lends weight to the theory that her attacker was known to her. Despite numerous appeals, searches, arrests and interviews, Claudia Lawrence's case remains unsolved, The staff involved in the search will be highly experienced, according to a forensics expert, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry. March 19 - Five years on from Miss Lawrence's disappearance, officers discover at her home the fingerprints of people who have still not come forward to the investigation. Martin paid tribute to Mr Lawrence, with whom he had enjoyed a 40-year friendship, following the update. Detective Superintendent Fox said: The searches which have commenced here today at Sand Hutton gravel pit are in relation to the disappearance and suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence more than 12 years ago. Jo Youle, chief executive of the charity Missing People, with which Mr Lawrence worked closely on Claudia's Law, said: "Our thoughts are with Claudia's family and loved ones as they mark another anniversary that no family wants to go through. Det Supt Fox, who took over as senior investigating officer in the case earlier this year, said: "Our focus is on finding Claudia and bringing those responsible for her disappearance and suspected murder to justice.". The mystery discovery was made by a member of the public last month at a North Yorkshire beauty spot - just months after they combed gravel pits and drained a lake to crack the 12-year-old case. Mr Lawrence, 74, died last February without ever knowing what happened to Claudia. She seems to have accepted this offer. He died aged 74 in St Leonards Hospice, not knowing what happened to his daughter, after suffering from a short illness. They considered it likely that she had decided to absent herself and would reappear after a few days. 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. 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. Cooper attempted to contact Lawrence again on the morning of Friday, 20 March, but again without success. Claudia's mum Joan, 78, told The Mirror: "I was contacted by police on Monday morning and told not to worry, but as a mum how can I not? Whilst I am unable to disclose what brought us to this location I would like to stress that the searches you will see in the coming days are just one of several active lines of enquiry which are currently being investigated and pursued by North Yorks Police major investigation team in our efforts to establish what happened to Claudia and to identify any person for causing her harm.". Video, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, New search shocking - Claudia Lawrence mum, 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'. Based in Harrogate, the MCU was to be tasked from October 2013 to handle crimes including rape and kidnap, and review cold cases. Her mother described Lawrence's mood as normal and relaxed. She failed to arrive for work at York University the next day and was reported missing by her father, Peter. He said: "While I cannot say at this stage how long the search may take, I do anticipate that a number of specialist officers and staff, including underwater search teams, and forensic experts are likely to be at this location for a number of days. The route from her home to place of work was checked at an early stage and no trace of her was found. Mr Lawrence spearheadeda nationwide search for his daughter Claudiawhich cost police around 1 million over the last decade. Claudias dad, Peter Lawrence OBE, passed away last year after campaigning for years to get justice for his daughter. Nine people have been questioned, but no charges have ever been brought. It later turns out to have been prompted by a call from a hoaxer, Richard ORourke, who is jailed for 18 months. Her father reported her missing on 20 March. A UK-wide attempt by police using DNA to identify a suspect in the case of missing chef Claudia . "Given that situation as well, I'd like to hope that people might be forthcoming with information. (modern). A small number of items were recovered during the two-week operation in September, but nothing of any major significance was believed to have been found. No charges are brought because of lack of evidence. New search utterly shocking - Claudia Lawrence mum, Fishing spot searched in Claudia Lawrence case, Fresh call for answers in Claudia Lawrence case, Plans to reopen Victorian quarry in Yorkshire mired by concerns over lorries, Malton crew called to fire in garden in early hours, Yorkshire coast route from Robin Hoods Bay to Whitby named one of the best coastal walks in the UK by experts, Vehicle fire on major road through North Yorkshire - road reopens, Ryedale gears up for the King's Coronation, Beautiful vintage motorbike goes under the hammer for a great cause, AI chatbots 'may soon be more intelligent than us', Russia troop deaths hit 20,000 in five months - US, France May Day protests leave dozens of police injured, 'My wife and six children joined Kenya starvation cult', On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry. 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. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. 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. VideoOn board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, I didnt think make-up was made for black girls, Why there is serious money in kitchen fumes. It never goes away. He said some of the information received by the force "appears extremely interesting and sparks a whole new line of investigation", and he urged anyone providing this information to get back in touch with as much detail as possible. [6], At 6am on the morning of Wednesday, 18 March 2009, Lawrence started her shift at Goodricke College's Roger Kirk Centre. Distraught Joan Lawrence, 76, said it was impossible for cops to investigate convicted killer Halliwell with "such a small amount of money". [38] The second investigation then ended having achieved little. For other inquiries, Contact Us. CLAUDIA Lawrence's mum says she feels "churned up inside" as cops search gravel pits for her daughter 12 years after she went missing. Police are searching a flooded quarry near York for the remains of the 35-year-old, missing since 2009. ", Man near alley 'still key' in Claudia case, Plans to reopen Victorian quarry in Yorkshire mired by concerns over lorries, Malton crew called to fire in garden in early hours, Yorkshire coast route from Robin Hoods Bay to Whitby named one of the best coastal walks in the UK by experts, Vehicle fire on major road through North Yorkshire - road reopens, Ryedale gears up for the King's Coronation, Beautiful vintage motorbike goes under the hammer for a great cause, AI chatbots 'may soon be more intelligent than us', Russia troop deaths hit 20,000 in five months - US, France May Day protests leave dozens of police injured, 'My wife and six children joined Kenya starvation cult', On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Claudia has been missing for twelve years, The floral tribute was found at a North Yorkshire beauty spot, Officers do not believe that the flowers are of any significance to the investigation, The chef vanished and no one has been charged in connection with her disappearance, North Yorkshire Police drained a lake last year in the search, Claudia's dad Peter died last year withouth knowing what happened to his daughter, a nationwide search for his daughter Claudia, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Newsquest Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor, Chartist Tower, Upper Dock Street, Newport, Wales, NP20 1DW Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. Searches of Sand Hutton gravel pits, a fishing spot about eight miles (13km) outside the city, began on Tuesday. [9], The North Yorkshire Police (NYP) was contacted at around 2 pm on 20 March in order to report Lawrence as a missing person. [16] Also in June, 100 days after his daughter went missing, Peter Lawrence launched a YouTube appeal for information. The two were reported to have been on friendly terms and he had often given her lifts in his car to and from work. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. On 8 March 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service refused to pursue a case submitted by NYP against four men who had been arrested on suspicion of murder, citing lack of evidence. 21 and 22 MarchA missing persons appeal is released by North Yorkshire police. But those concerned were all released and none were charged.[36]. Police believe she was murdered, but her body has never been found. A fresh appeal for answers about missing Claudia Lawrence has been made on the eve of the anniversary of her disappearance. The force concentrated ona tennis court-sized areawhere they cut down small trees and appeared to take top soil for testing. July - Claudias Law otherwise known as the Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017 comes into force. Heartbroken dad speaks out as body of teen and 6 others found after sleepover, Seven bodies found just hours after Amber Alert for two missing girls, 'Cult mom' Lori Vallow's hair found on duct tape used to wrap son's body, Inside Jeffrey Epstein's private calendar including meeting with Noam Chomsky, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Claudia has been missing for twelve years, The floral tribute was found at a North Yorkshire beauty spot, Officers do not believe that the flowers are of any significance to the investigation, The chef vanished and no one has been charged in connection with her disappearance, North Yorkshire Police drained a lake last year in the search, Claudia's dad Peter died last year withouth knowing what happened to his daughter, a nationwide search for his daughter Claudia. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. October - Claudia's mum slammed the peanuts 40,000 budget to probe murder suspect Christopher Halliwell. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. She was employed as a chef at the University of York's Goodricke College at the time of her disappearance. This possibility was quickly dismissed. The probe has cost more than 1.5million, but the operation has been scaled back over the years. [7][8] The two men found the house to be in an orderly state. FebruaryFresh searches take place in the alleyway behind Lawrences home in Heworth. I hope they realise the pain the family is going through.. University chef Ms Lawrence was last seen at 15.05 on Wednesday 18 March 2009 walking towards her home on Heworth Road, York. Claudia Lawrence: Police search lake in Sand Hutton in 2021, A mysterious floral tribute claiming that missing chef Claudia Lawrence is in the water has been found near to a beauty spot, Police drained a lake at Sand Hutton Gravel Pits, near York, in the search for Claudia, Police divers search Sand Hutton Gravel Pits, near York, on August 26, 2021, Kate Garraway says husband Derek would die within three days without expert care, Oil prices hit seven year high as Ukraine-Russia crisis threatens supplies worldwide. Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that 'nothing of obvious significance' was found during searches of part of the wooded area and in the smaller of the two lakes at the gravel pits. North Yorkshire Police said the search, covering an area of woodland and two lakes popular with anglers, could last for several days. Peter Lawrence in 2019, holding a photograph of his daughter Claudia Lawrence. OCallaghan left a Swindon nightclub at near 3am and started the 20 minute walk to her home. Unsolved 2009 disappearance of 35 year-old woman from York, England, "Everything we know about the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence, 11 years on the day she vanished", "Peter Lawrence dies 12 years on from his daughter's disappearance, a case which has haunted her family", "Jealous partner theory on missing Claudia", "Claudia Lawrence mystery has dark undercurrents", "Inside Claudia's house evidence to support she left for work but hair straighteners missing", "Hunt for missing chef Claudia Lawrence now a murder case", "Police investigate claims linking Claudia Lawrence and murderer Christopher Halliwell", "Crimestoppers offers 10k reward for Claudia Lawrence case", "Claudia Lawrence's father in YouTube video plea", "Hunt for missing chef Claudia Lawrence extends to Cyprus", "Holiday flings could hold clues to missing chef Claudia Lawrence", "York district searched in Claudia Lawrence inquiry", "Family hope over new Claudia Lawrence search", "No leads from Claudia Lawrence searches in York", "Claudia Lawrence: Timeline of her disappearance and suspected murder", "North Yorkshire Police plan 300k major crimes unit", "Major Crime Unit to review disappearance", "BBC One Crimewatch, 19/03/2014, Claudia Lawrence CCTV 2", "Claudia Murder Suspect Released Without Charge", "Acomb pub landlord speaks out over arrest", "Three drinking friends all arrested", "Suspects won't be charged over Claudia Lawrence 'murder' angry police blame 'lying witnesses', "Claudia Lawrence case remains unsolved despite exhaustive efforts", "Claudia Lawrence: Former gravel pits searched in missing chef case", "Claudia Lawrence: New police search in gravel pits eight miles from home of missing York University chef", "The eight Claudia Lawrence suspects and what happened to them", "Lake drained in hunt for missing chef Claudia Lawrence last seen 12 years ago", "Police drain lake in search for Claudia Lawrence", "Linda Razzell murder: Christopher Halliwell link dismissed", "How BBC documentary backfired on wife-killer Glyn Razzell's hopes of clearing his name", "Former Halliwell murder case detective releases memoirs", "Mum of missing woman fears Christopher Halliwell may be involved in daughter's disappearance", "Mum of Claudia Lawrence urges police to investigate killer cabbie amid new search for daughter", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Disappearance_of_Claudia_Lawrence&oldid=1149998329, Short description is different from Wikidata, All articles with vague or ambiguous time, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2023, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, That Lawrence had left with a new lover or to take up a new job or merely to take a break.