Lake drained in search for missing York chef Claudia Lawrence

Police searching for the missing York chef Claudia Lawrence have drained a fishing lake in the village of Sand Hutton, North Yorkshire in their search for evidence of her disappearance.

Detectives from North Yorkshire police began their search of the former gravel pits on Aug 24, and 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.”

Claudia Lawrence, a chef at the University of York, was last seen in March 2009, and no charges have been brought in relation to her disappearance, although nine people have been questioned in relation.