SIX long years on from the disappearance of York chef Claudia Lawrence - six years filled with unspeakable anguish for her family and loved ones - police investigating her suspected murder remain as determined as ever.

Yesterday, they used a big outdoor screen in Heworth Place, near the back of the house where Claudia lived, to show footage of two people they want to identify. The people were caught on camera at 7.15pm on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, shortly before Claudia spoke on the phone to her parents for the last time.

The footage showed one of the figures walking down Heworth Place, then reappearing a minute later carrying what looked like a bag over their shoulder. They then stopped suddenly as another figure walked past. The footage was shown on a rolling loop on the outdoor screen for six hours yesterday, as local residents came to watch.

The detective leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, said police were keen to hear from anyone who recognised either of the two people. “Do they live locally? What were they doing? We are waiting to hear from you,” he said.

We commend the police for continuing to give this investigation the priority it deserves.

As Claudia’s father Peter Lawrence revealed in an emotional press conference yesterday, the strain of not knowing what happened to his daughter has been intolerable.

He missed her smiles, her laughter and companionship, he said. And in an unbearably poignant moment, he added: “If she was murdered, as the police believe, then I want to be able to bury her.”

As we have said before, there must be somebody who knows something. If so, for the sake of her family, please find it in your hearts to come forward.