Mum breaks silence to help search for Claudia

Mother-of-two Joan Lawrence spoke in public for the first time since 35-year-old Miss Lawrence failed to turn up for work at York University almost six weeks ago.

Despite a huge police investigation, there has been no sign of her – and the inquiry is now formally classified as suspected murder.

“The situation I find myself in is every parent’s worst nightmare,”

said Mrs Lawrence, who is divorced from Miss Lawrence’s father, Peter.

“Our children, no matter how old they are, are still the most precious things in our lives.”

She went on: “I am blessed with two beautiful daughters, not only on the outside but inside as well.

“I wish to appeal for help to all of you, whoever you are. The response so far has been fantastic but, unfortunately, as we speak, our attempts have been unsuccessful in finding Claudia.”

She added: “We are devastated and miss and love her so much. We just want her home with us all, safe and well.”

Meanwhile Miss Lawrence’s father urged a man who may hold vital information to get in touch. A witness reported seeing a man and a woman in Melrosegate, York, at 5.35am on March 19.

The man wore dark combat trousers, was skinny and was smoking a cigarette with his left hand, which was described as “unusual”.

The woman was described as having mousy brown hair and wearing a blue jacket and police are calling it a “significant sighting”.

Mr Lawrence said of the mystery man: “If he gets this message and there was absolutely nothing untoward, it would be extremely helpful if we knew that.”

Miss Lawrence, brought up in Malton, North Yorkshire, was last seen near her home in Heworth, York, on March 18 and failed to arrive for her 6am shift at work at York University’s Goodricke College the following day.

Crimestoppers has put up a £10,000 reward in connection with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845- 60-60-24-7 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.