New officer appointed to lead Claudia case

Elly Fiorentini
BBC News, Yorkshire
PA Media An archive image of a woman with light brown shoulder length hair, standing in front of a plantPA Media
Despite numerous appeals, searches, arrests and interviews, Claudia Lawrence's case remains unsolved

A new officer is to lead the long-running investigation into the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed Det Supt Jon Sygrove had taken over from Ch Supt Wayne Fox as senior officer for the investigation.

The mother of the York chef, who would have celebrated her 51st birthday on Thursday, called for the new investigation leader to be "open-minded".

Joan Lawrence said: "I think whoever has the job must be very human and kind, I think these are qualities which are needed in a case like this."

North Yorkshire Police A man wearing a police-branded high vis jacket and flat police cap with a short, greying beardNorth Yorkshire Police
Det Supt Jon Sygrove is now leading the investigation into Claudia's disappearance

Claudia was 35 when she failed to arrive for work at the University of York on 18 March 2009.

Police believe she was murdered, although her body has never been found and no charges have ever been brought.

Ch Supt Fox took over the investigation in 2020.

The following year police carried out a two-week search of Sand Hutton gravel pits, about eight miles from York.

The searches involved draining the smaller of the two lakes and combing through extensive woodland that surrounds both lakes.

Police said items were found as part of the operation and were to be assessed.

Listen: Find out more about the disappearance of Claudia

Mrs Lawrence said the new lead officer needed to "have tact, sensitivity and compassion".

She praised the force Chief Constable Tim Forber for his support during the investigation, saying he had shown her "compassion and kindness".

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said Det Supt Sygrove would visit Claudia's home as part of his new role.

"The new senior investigating officer intends to visit Claudia's home for familiarisation purposes only, this is not for the purpose of conducting any operational or forensic inquiries," they said.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.