Claudia film withdrawn over identity 'mistakes'

CLOSED circuit TV footage said to show missing chef Claudia Lawrence on the last day she was seen alive has been retracted after it was admitted the images were of someone else.

Stills from the footage, which it was said showed Claudia leaving work at York University on March 18 last year, were released on Wednesday ahead of a broadcast by BBC's Crimewatch last night.

But North Yorkshire Police said yesterday that some of the images, widely seen in newspapers and on TV, were in fact of someone else. Other footage released, including her walking past a newsagents, is said to be legitimate.

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The programme went ahead last night with the genuine images. It is understood the mistake made by Crimewatch, not the Yorkshire force.

Miss Lawrence was last seen walking close to her home in Heworth Road in York after leaving work at York University's Goodricke College.

She has been missing for nearly a year despite extensive police investigations and the hunt was upgraded to a murder investigation in April last year.

Speaking last night Det Supt Ray Galloway said: "Tonight's Crimewatch appeal sends a clear message to those involved in Claudia's disappearance that the investigation is still very much active.

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"Someone, somewhere knows exactly what happened to Claudia and we urge them to put an end to the distress of her family, do the right thing and come forward."

Miss Lawrence's father Peter made a direct appeal on the Tv broadcast for information while Det Supt Galloway appealed for the driver of a silver vehicle, captured on CCTV cameras travelling along Melrosegate in York – the route Miss Lawrence used to walk to work – to come forward.

The vehicle was seen on both March 18 and then a week later on March 25, stopping in a lay-by for a couple of minutes.

Police are continuing their investigations into Miss Lawrence's complex personal life. Her birthday tomorrow will be marked by a day of awareness in York city centre today.

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Det Supt Galloway added that new footage showed a man wearing a hooded top and smoking a cigarette walking near to where previously a couple had been seen having an argument.

Anyone with any information regarding Miss Lawrence has been asked to call 08745 6060247 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.