24/04/2009

Crimestoppers Reward Offered In Claudia Search

A £10,000 reward has been offered for information about missing university chef Claudia Lawrence, as Yorkshire Police have announced her disappearance is being treated as suspected murder.

The Crimestoppers charity confirmed it had taken the unusual step to offer the "enhanced reward" due to the strong public interest in the case.

Miss Lawrence, 35, was last seen at the University of York’s Goodricke College, where she worked, on Wednesday, March 18.

Detectives, who originally were treated her disappearance as a missing person's case, now believe she may have come to harm after meeting someone she knew.

Dave Hunter, Crimestoppers regional manager for the North-East and North Yorkshire area, said: "Crimestoppers has put in an enhanced reward of £10,000 for information relating to this case.

"It is quite unusual because at this moment in time, no crime has been committed. However, it is such a big issue and the public have been captivated by the case.

"From a Crimestoppers point of view, we hope this will generate specific information relating to Claudia, which can help police with their inquiries."

Police investigating the case have said they have received more than 900 phone calls and taken 868 statements and reports.

Meanwhile, a total of 270 properties have been searched in relation to Miss Lawrence's disappearance.

(JM/BMcC)

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