DETECTIVES say they had a good response to yesterday's Claudia Lawrence appeals, and they have thanked the members of the public who supported it.

Local residents yesterday gathered to watch CCTV footage on a big outdoor screen today as police stepped up the six-year investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence

A police spokesman today said: “We had a good response from local residents and we are very grateful for their continued support to the Claudia Lawrence investigation. Detectives are now assessing the information as part of ongoing enquiries.”

Previously unreleased video was screened on a rolling loop for six hours by North Yorkshire Police in Heworth Place, which leads to the back of the university chef's home.

York Press:

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, senior investigating officer in the Claudia case, said it showed two people who police needed to identify.

They were caught on camera at 7.15pm on Wednesday March 18, 2009, a short while before Claudia spoke to her parents on the phone for the last time before going missing later that night.

“Of particular interest to the investigation team is the person who is seen walking down Heworth Place which leads to the back of Claudia’s house," he said.

“The person goes out of camera shot but reappears just over a minute later. They appear to be carrying a bag over their shoulder.

“As the person heads back towards Heworth Road they suddenly stop when another unknown person walks past.

“Who is this? Do they live locally? What were they doing?

“If you can help to identify either person, please contact us as soon as possible. We are waiting to hear from you.”

Residents who had gone to the screening after receiving a leaflet from police inviting them along spoke of their sadness that Claudia had not been found, but said they could not think of any information which could help police after six years.

"It's so long ago - I can't even remember what I was doing that year never mind on that evening," said one.

Another resident, Tommy Ward, said: "I think it's a good idea - it's a big screen," while Graham Eaglen said: "I haven't a clue. But I hope they do find what happened to her - this is someone's daughter."

Claudia's father Peter was amongst the people coming along during the first hour to view the footage, which can be seen below.


 

• Anyone with information which could help the police investigation should call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.