Claire Holland: Police release update on Clifton pub search following murder charge

Police have wrapped up a forensic-led search on a Clifton pub as part of their investigation into the disappearance of a Bristol mother-of-four a decade ago.

Claire, then aged 32 and from Lawrence Weston, was last seen leaving the Seamus O’Donnell’s pub in St Nicholas Street at around 11.15pm on June 6 2012.

She was reported missing a few days later and has not been seen or heard from since.

But last week, police said they had made a ‘major development’ in the case.

Officers announced that they had re-arrested and charged 40-year-old Darren Osment with Claire’s murder and revealed plans to search The Barrelhouse pub on Gordon Road, formerly known as The White Rabbit.

The pub, on Gordon Road, was cordoned off for several days after officers descended on the venue.

This afternoon (Tuesday, August 9) Det Supt Gary Haskins of Avon and Somerset Police said that ‘nothing of significance’ had been found.

He added: “We’d like to reiterate that the tenants of the pub, both present and former, have no connection with our investigation into Claire’s disappearance.

“We’d like to thank the present owners for their co-operation and understanding while we carried out these essential enquiries.

“The local community have also been extremely supportive during this operational activity and we’re grateful for their patience.

“Claire’s family have been updated on this latest development and remain fully supported by a specialist family liaison officer.”

Mr Osment appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court on Friday (August 5) to face one charge of murder.

A pre-trial preparation hearing is due to take place at Bristol Crown Court in November.