Claudia Father Issues Student Appeal

The father of missing chef Claudia Lawrence has appealed to students returning to York's two universities for help with the search.

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.

Her disappearance is now being treated as murder, detectives have confirmed.

Miss Lawrence’s father Peter, who has made a number of regular television and newspaper appeals for his daughters safe return, has now left messages on the intranets of both University of York and York St John University.

He wrote: "I am sending you all this message as father of Claudia, one of your neighbours if you live in York's Heworth area or use the Nag's Head, and chef at the Roger Kirk Centre at Goodricke College on the University of York's campus.

"The reasons for this message are twofold.

"Firstly, Claudia's disappearance coincided with the end of last term. Indeed, on March 20 many students were already going home for the Easter vacation.

"Most of you are only now returning and the family will be most grateful if you will search your memories from the end of term and consider whether you saw Claudia after she left work after 2pm on March 18 or whether you saw anything at all which you now consider was unusual or suspicious.

"Secondly, I wish to apologise for the searches which necessarily took place in student accommodation both on and off the campuses in your absence.

"I am sure you will realise that it had to be ascertained that Claudia was not there. Please accept our apologies for any intrusion you may have felt by this.

"Our concern is for Claudia's well-being and safe return. Thank you for your forbearance and co-operation."

Mr Lawrence urged students with any information to contact North Yorkshire Police.

Last week, Crimestoppers charity confirmed it had taken the unusual step to offer a £10,000 reward for information about Miss Lawrence, due to the strong public interest in the case.

(JM/BMcc)