Claudia Lawrence case: CPS weighs up trying four men

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/sep/17/claudia-lawrence-cps-four-trial-face-murder

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The Crown Prosecution Service will consider bringing charges against four men arrested on suspicion of murdering missing woman Claudia Lawrence, police have said.

The university chef disappeared on her way to work in York in March 2009 and no sign of her has been found since. The four men, in their 50s and from the York area, were arrested earlier this year and were currently on bail, North Yorkshire police said.

A file of evidence will be handed to the CPS once it is prepared, and assessment by lawyers of the case will take some time, the force said. The officer in charge of the inquiry stressed it remained active and urged people not to identify the men in question.

Det Supt Dai Malyn said: “This is to ensure the investigation and legal process are not compromised or potentially damaged in any way.

“This includes naming or publishing images of the men, their home addresses, places of work, their vehicles and properties on traditional media platforms or social networking sites.

“Your cooperation and support is greatly appreciated by the investigation team.”

Lawrence lived in the Heworth area of York and was 35 when she disappeared. She was reported missing by her father, Peter, after concerns were raised when she failed to turn up for her 6am shift at a University of York kitchen.

Police said they believe she was murdered although no body has ever been discovered.

Police reviewed the case in 2013 following the formation of a new major crime unit, and since then officers have carried out a number of high-profile searches including at her home and an alleyway leading behind it.