Missing Claudia to feature on BBC’s Crimewatch as prayers are said in church

THE search for missing York chef Claudia Lawrence is set to feature on BBC’s Crimewatch tonight.

Millions of viewers across the UK will hear the very latest in the search for Claudia from detectives from North Yorkshire Police leading the investigation.

Meanwhile, prayers were said at church services across York yesterday for the missing 35-year-old.

As police officers searched the River Foss and Melrosegate for clues to her disappearance, Canon Glyn Webster conducted prayers before a 350-strong congregation at York Minster.

He made special mention ofthe University of York catering worker’s father, Peter Lawrence, who is a voluntary steward at the Minster, and her mother, Joan, and older sister, Alexandria.

He said: “We pray for the safety and well-being of Claudia Lawrence. As we pray for her, so we pray for her family. For Peter, for Joan, for Ali, for her family and many friends during this time of waiting and great anxiety.”

The hour-long service, presented by several senior members of the York Diocese, was made up of hymns, prayers and a moment’s silence before a procession of the Minster’s choir.

Mr Lawrence, a solicitor from Slingsby, did not attend the service but visited the Minster on Saturday evening instead to help prepare for the following morning’s service. Speaking after the service, Canon Webster said there was still hope.

He said: “It seems the whole city is behind Peter, Joan and their family, in terms of concern, compassion and praying for them.

“While there is no news, there is still hope.”

Claudia was also in the thoughts of parishioners at Holy Trinity Church in Heworth, close to her home, and in churches across the area.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police and neighbouring forces have continued to search Heworth and Tang Hall, looking in outbuildings and speaking to residents. Divers were also at the River Foss in Huntington Road yesterday.

Yesterday, police were also seen searching drains in Heworth Road, close to where Claudia lives, and in Tang Hall Lane.

On Saturday football fans also joined in the search. At York City’s home game against Kidderminster, spectators were handed posters printed by The Press which featured a photograph of Claudia and police officers were on hand to speak to fans.

An online campaign has also gathered pace.

As of yesterday, more than 13,000 people had joined a Facebook group publicising Claudia’s disappearance and trying to find her.

Claudia was last seen on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18, after finishing her shift as a chef at the University of York.

She was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans and trainers.