The mother of Claudia Lawrence has said the latest searches in connection with her daughter’s disappearance and suspected murder have left her in “utter shock”.
Joan Lawrence told reporters she was “very, very churned up” about the latest developments in the investigation, which have seen police searching gravel pits and an area of woodland just outside York.
Mrs Lawrence said “every single day is a nightmare” since her daughter disappeared from her home in Heworth, York, more than 12 years ago – but she insisted she still has hope.
Police believe Ms Lawrence was murdered, although no body has ever been found.
On Tuesday, detectives confirmed that an operation had begun to search the gravel pits – which are now believed to be used as fishing ponds – at Sand Hutton, to the east of York and around 6.5 miles from Ms Lawrence’s home on Heworth Road.
Mrs Lawrence told BBC Radio York that police informed her about the operation early on Tuesday morning and said she was in “utter shock” about the development.
She said: “I’m very, very churned up, actually. It’s too much to take in.”
The missing chef’s mother continued: “I haven’t had time to really digest it and get myself together with it all, get together the possibilities, wondering where it’s all come from, wonder if it’s some information.
“Why Sand Hutton? I can’t think of any connection with Sand Hutton that Claudia would have.”
‘Better to know’
Ms Lawrence was last seen on March 18 2009, and North Yorkshire Police has conducted two investigations and questioned nine people in relation to her disappearance and suspected murder, but no charges have ever been brought.
At Sand Hutton yesterday, a road and a large area of woodland had been cordoned off and police could be seen searching the undergrowth with sticks yesterday.
Ms Lawrence’s father, Peter, died earlier this year without knowing what happened to his daughter.
Martin Dales, a friend of Mr Lawrence, said this was the first development in the case since his death, and described the situation as “bittersweet”.
“He would have been supportive of what the police are doing, no question of that, as I am,” he said.
“If this is something that’s going to turn into something that provides closure, whether good or bad, that’s probably healthy. It’s better for people to know than to sit around wondering what on earth has happened.”
Mr Dales added: “I hope there’s a good reason behind these searches that produces some answers for everybody: the police, family, friends, everybody involved.”
A resident living in the area near the searches, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “A lot of people around here and throughout York have been aware of the story since she disappeared. I imagine people (in the community) will be shocked.
“If they find her and it brings closure to the family, then it’s got to be a good thing. At least they will know what’s happened to her. It’s just sad all round.”