Claudia Lawrence inquiry: Man near alley 'still key'

Despite numerous appeals, searches, arrests and interviews, Claudia Lawrence's case remains unsolved

A man seen near the home of missing Claudia Lawrence remains a key person to trace 10 years on, police have said.

The chef, 35, failed to arrive for work at York University on 19 March, 2009.

The case remains unsolved and although no body has been found, North Yorkshire Police believe she was murdered.

Speaking on the anniversary of the disappearance, Det Supt Dai Malyn reiterated his belief that information was being withheld and that the answer "lies locally".

What happened to Claudia?

The case has been hampered in the last decade by a lack of data and information from phones or social media, and poor CCTV coverage around Miss Lawrence's home in Heworth, in York.

During the original investigation and a review five years later, CCTV images were released of a man seen near an alley behind the house both on the morning of her disappearance and the night before.

Footage shows him walking into Heworth Place, which leads to the back of her home, before reappearing a minute later, on both occasions.

"I cannot fully accept anything as to the identity of a suggested person, i.e. the man near the alleyway behind Claudia's home, unless we have conclusive evidence to back the information up," said Det Supt Malyn.

"The call we really want is the one that helps piece together the parts of the jigsaw we already know regarding her last movements and people she associated with and places frequented."

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Miss Lawrence was last heard from by her mother Joan, who she spoke to on the phone on the evening of 18 March 2009.

She failed to arrive for her job at Goodricke College the following day and was reported missing by her father, Peter.

Miss Lawrence's last known contact was when she spoke to her mother on the phone from her home on 18 March

Police said the investigation had been difficult because Miss Lawrence did not use social media or own a smartphone.

Det Supt Malyn said he did not believe she had been the victim of a stranger attack because analysis of her mobile showed it had been deliberately turned off on 19 March while still in the York area.

Nine individuals have been arrested or interviewed in connection with the case, but no charges have been brought.

It has since been wound down but police said they would investigate any new leads.