New Claudia Lawrence appeal on disappearance anniversary
New Claudia Lawrence appeal on disappearance anniversary
Thursday, 18, Mar 2010 12:10
By Richard James.
Police have issued a fresh appeal for information over the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence, one year after she was last seen alive.
Ms Lawrence, 35, had been working as a chef at York University when she went missing walking to work on the morning of March 18th 2009.
North Yorkshire police are now treating her disappearance as murder and have unveiled a new YouTube video reiterating the desire to speak to anyone who may know anything about Claudia's disappearance.
A statement from her mother Joan Lawrence was also released by police today, in which she said: "I find it hard to believe we are a year down the line from the date which will be in my mind for the rest of my life.
"I can't begin to describe the feelings that went through my mind when we received the call that Claudia had disappeared. I was numb at first, stunned, this sort of thing happens to other people. You don't expect it to happen to you and your family.
"I keep going every day, there is always something that needs doing. The support from family, friends and local people is wonderful, it's a huge comfort to me and I am so grateful. The pain never goes away, the emptiness inside me. The reminders are all over my flat, presents, notes, cards, photographs. Many is the time I come across something by accident and stop and shed a tear.
"I have now to find a way forward once these painful anniversaries are past. It must be kept in the public eye and I shall do my best do that. We can't let people forget her - someone, somewhere knows something."
Police are urging people to contact them on 0845 60 60 24 7, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The latter has also offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for her disappearance.
Officers today offered an update on the investigation into Claudia's disappearance, confirming there had been some 1,270 calls made to police relating to the case - which had by the end of February had cost £615,000.
There has also been 2,797 statements and reports made, with police travelling to locations such as Cyprus and Ireland to gather information.
Watch the new appeal video below: