Police searching woodland for missing Claudia Lawrence

Detectives investigating the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence have begun searching woodland just outside of York.

It's after beginning searches in gravel pits in Sand Hutton earlier this week, with investigators saying they've received "new information".

Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox, who took over the case earlier this year, said: "I thank the public for the positive responses and new information received in support of the current phase of the investigation."

“Our focus is on finding Claudia and bringing those responsible for her disappearance and suspected murder to justice.”

The 35-year-old chef went missing 12 years ago, and police believe she was murdered, although no body has ever been found.

She was last seen on CCTV on her way home from work at the University of York in 2009.

Her father Peter Lawrence died earlier this year, without ever knowing what happened to his daughter.

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