DETECTIVES searching for missing chef Claudia Lawrence do not believe rumours that she was involved with multiple partners.

Miss Lawrence, 35, was last seen near her home in Heworth, York, on March 18.

She failed to arrive for a 6am shift at work at York University’s Goodricke College the following day.

An update on the case featured on BBC’s Crimewatch this week addressed widespread speculation surrounding Miss Lawrence’s personal life.

It followed comments made on the show last month when the man leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway, said she was involved in relationships of “complexity and mystery”.

But in a short update presenter Rav Wilding dismissed the speculation.

“Police do not believe Claudia had multiple partners at the time of her disappearance, but are saying her relationships are key to solving this case,” he said.

Her family and friends have already dismissed the claims.

A week ago, best friend Suzy Cooper described a Sunday newspaper report that Miss Lawrence may have had affairs with up to 40 men as “wholly inaccurate”.

She said: “She may have had a couple of affairs in her 35 years but this should not detract from the kind, loyal, and loving person she is.”

Meanwhile, Miss Lawrence’s friends and family have helped raise more than £2,500 for charity at a special night at the School House Inn, at Low Marishes, near Malton.

The total raised from admissions, a raffle and an auction of promises was £2,675 which will be split between the Friends of Malton Hospital, Leukaemia Research Fund and Missing People.

Among those attending was Miss Lawrence’s father, Peter, and his friend and spokesman, Martin Dales.

“People were incredibly generous particularly in the auction of promises,” said Mr Dales. “Everyone is very grateful to the owners, Sarah and Matthew Richardson, for their efforts and to local people and traders for their generosity in sponsorship.”