Fears are growing over a chef at the University of York who has not been seen since she left work five days ago.
Claudia Lawrence, 35, was last seen on Wednesday afternoon at the university’s Goodricke College and later spoke to her parents on the phone.
North Yorkshire Police believe Lawrence disappeared at around 5.30am the next morning after she left home with no money, cards or passport to walk three miles to her job as a chef at the university, reports the Associated Press.
Speaking at a news conference at Fulford Road police station in York today, Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Pope said she was keeping an open mind about Lawrence's disappearance.
“It's certainly a possibility that an abduction could be involved but I have got nothing to suggest that,” Pope said.
“She may have decided that she's had enough of living around here and gone away of her own free will but I have to keep an open mind that there might be some criminal activity involved."
The detective described Lawrence as “happy and sociable” and said she was not aware of any problems with depression or relationships.
Lawrence's father Peter appealed to people in York to help find her.
“Even the smallest piece of information or possible sighting could really help the police inquiry,” he said.
“Claudia's someone who was always on the phone - by voice, or by text - but all of a sudden, there's been no contact since Wednesday evening and her phone is not contactable.”
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By Daniel Thomas
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