UK UK - Claudia Lawrence, 35, Chef, York University, 18 March 2009 #16

[dotr]

Police searching local area in Claudia Lawrence investigation - North Yorkshire Police
''Superintendent Wayne Fox, Head of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team and the Senior Investigating Officer in the case, said:

“The searches which have commenced today (Tuesday 24 August 2021) at Sand Hutton Gravel Pits are in relation to the disappearance and suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence more than 12 years ago.

“I cannot say exactly how long these searches may take, however, it is likely that specialist officers and staff, including underwater search teams and forensic experts, will be here for a number of days.

“While I am unable to disclose what has led us to this area, I must stress that the searches are just one of several active lines of enquiry currently being pursued by the Major Investigation Team in our efforts to establish what happened to Claudia and identify any person responsible for causing her harm.

“Claudia’s family have been updated about this development in the case.”

 

[TootsieFootsie]

Former gravel pits searched for remains of woman missing for 12 years


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.

The 35-year-old failed to turn up for work in March 2009 and is thought to have been murdered.

Nine people have been questioned in relation to her disappearance but no body has ever been found.

Detectives appear to have a potential break in the case as they sent specialist teams to comb through Sand Hutton gravel pits, about eight miles outside York.

 

[jslk]

If it's an inaccessible site, could this mean 2 or more conspirators, not just a single person? Difficult to imagine them keeping quiet all these years.

 

[JosieJo]

I am leaning towards the possibility that there has been an incidental find here ... maybe an item very specific to Claudia. I feel this would warrant the extensive investigation at this area.
A tip off is "possible" but I feel with the the cost of this we are seeing it would have to be deemed extremely reliable and with no arrest accompanying this work it seems less likely

 

[maxylou]

I agree with the accidental find of significant information. There was an environmental survey carried out which imo has discovered something and this has led to the police activity.

 

[Ruthbullock]

If it's an inaccessible site, could this mean 2 or more conspirators, not just a single person? Difficult to imagine them keeping quiet all these years.

It’s a very easy site to access, and very secluded and away from nearby houses. Popular with dog walkers and horse riders during daylight hours, but overnight you would see no one as it would be pitch black.

 

[Ruthbullock]

Sand Hutton: The Yorkshire village at the centre of new searches in the Claudia Lawrence investigation

 

[JosieJo]

Sand Hutton: The Yorkshire village at the centre of new searches in the Claudia Lawrence investigation

Thanks great background info...do you know would they have been lakes at the time of Claudia's disappearance or pits?

 

[An_Owl]

Thanks great background info...do you know would they have been lakes at the time of Claudia's disappearance or pits?

They have been lakes since 1969, apparently.

If it *is* the case that environmental works have uncovered something of interest, then I wonder if it’s her rucksack?

 

[JosieJo]

They have been lakes since 1969, apparently.

If it *is* the case that environmental works have uncovered something of interest, then I wonder if it’s her rucksack?

Thank you ...yes possibly

 

[Novosti]

The site is close to the main road between York and Malton. At least two of the arrested suspects in the second investigation had businesses located along this stretch of the A64.

 

[FreddieDogg]

Just checked google maps (street view) and sadly it only goes back to 2011 but as the poster above said above it's been a gravel pit since the 1960's

 

[FreddieDogg]

They have been lakes since 1969, apparently.

If it *is* the case that environmental works have uncovered something of interest, then I wonder if it’s her rucksack?

Hopefully it will be her body

 

[Bagpipes]

The location, the police activities and statements all ticking the right boxes for me. So often these things lead to nothing but I believe something will be found and Claudia and her family will get some closure and hopefully some justice.

 

[jslk]

DEFRA, agriculture, food services?

 

[FreddieDogg]

DEFRA, agriculture, food services?

Department For Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

 

[jslk]

Department For Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Thank you, I know what it is, I was musing whether possibly there is a connection to her work and people she may have encountered there? It may be a little tenuous but still.

 

[Pinkizzy]

I thought the DEFRA lab was down near Bedford - changed site obs

 

[Pinkizzy]

DEFRA, agriculture, food services?

I think its FERA

 

[Andyboy]

I am leaning towards the possibility that there has been an incidental find here ... maybe an item very specific to Claudia. I feel this would warrant the extensive investigation at this area.
A tip off is "possible" but I feel with the the cost of this we are seeing it would have to be deemed extremely reliable and with no arrest accompanying this work it seems less likely

To be fair, probably can't go round arresting people until you find something, even then, if you find a body, be hard to link someone with the body 12 years later I would think