Cruel internet hoax over missing Claudia adds to family distress

Friends of Claudia Lawrence have spoken of their disgust at an internet hoax after a teenager was arrested yesterday for posting an online message claiming to be from the missing woman.

North Yorkshire Police launched an investigation after a posting on the Facebook site in November claimed to have been left by the missing 35-year-old York University chef.

An 18-year-old man from Didcot in Oxfordshire was formally cautioned over the hoax by police yesterday on the eve of the 11-month anniversary since Miss Lawrence was last seen.

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Martin Dales, from Old Malton in North Yorkshire, who is a family friend and spokesman for Miss Lawrence's father, Peter, said: "We are grateful to the police for their determination in finding out who was responsible for this posting, but are concerned that they were forced to waste time and resources due to someone's irresponsibility."

It was a cruel thing to do which caused great distress to the family and friends, he said. "An apology might be appropriate after causing such hurt," he added.

The teenager admitted making a malicious communication and wasting police time. He was cautioned and released.

Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway, who is leading the murder investigation into Miss Lawrence's disappearance, said: "The investigation into the suspected murder of Claudia Lawrence continues and will do so whilst there are positive lines of inquiry to pursue."

Anyone with information about the disappearance can contact police on 0845 6060247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.