Dogwalker 'saw' rucksack of missing chef Claudia Lawrence in tree stump - in bombshell new claim
28 February 2025, 08:53 | Updated: 28 February 2025, 09:18
A dog walker has claimed to have found the rucksack of missing chef Claudia Lawrence in a tree stump nearly 40 miles away from where she was last seen.
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Claudia was 35 when she vanished without a trace after failing to turn up to work in 2009 in North Yorkshire.
Police believe she was murdered, although her body has never been found and no charges have ever been brought.
Her case has become one of Britain’s most well-known unsolved missing persons cases.
Now, a podcast called Answers for Claudia podcast has uncovered new details about her disappearance, including the discovery of a rucksack she was wearing the day she went missing.
In an interview with a woman named Bev, she revealed she had found the purple and blue Karrimor bag beside a tree stump near the River Tees at Ingleby Barwick, about 40 miles from York.
The bag, which contained foil-wrapped sandwiches, was discovered by Bev just days after the chef vanished, reported the MailOnline.
Although she initially left the rucksack, Bev later returned to search for it after hearing DCI Lucy Pope mention it in a police press conference.
"It wasn't until I seen the newspaper article that I then went, that is the bag I found. I distinctively remember turning the newspaper over and seeing the bag, knowing that is the bag I found", she said.
However, when Bev returned to the same spot, the bag had gone.
Read more: Police failed to search hidden loft in home of missing chef Claudia Lawrence, mum claims
Yesterday, it was reported Claudia’s mother Joan said she visited Claudia’s home recently with a podcast crew - where they found a secret loft.
But she says she doesn’t want police inside the property as she doesn’t "trust" them.
“I don't want the police to do it alone as they didn't get it right the first time.
"I'd be happier with someone like the Locate International going in.'
Last year, police made a renewed plea for information about her disappearance 15 years after she went missing.
Acting Assistant Chief Constable for North Yorkshire Police Wayne Fox reiterated on Monday that the inquiry was not closed.
He said: "Having been appointed senior investigating officer in October 2020, I am fully aware of the complexities that exist in this inquiry, which sadly has to be treated as that of a suspected murder.
"However, the single barrier to unlocking the answers for Claudia's loved-ones and bringing those responsible for her disappearance to justice, remains the same - silence.
"Silence from the people who know, or may suspect, what happened to Claudia but have, so far, for reasons that are only known to them, been unable to come forward to the police or even pass on information to Crimestoppers anonymously.
"There may be many reasons as to why they have been unable to come forward, however, my plea to them on reaching 15 years of living with the knowledge you have is to do the right thing and make a report.
"You can help bring an end to the pain and uncertainty for Claudia, her mum and all who love her."
Two separate investigations have been launched, questioning nine people, but no charges have ever been brought.
