Claire Holland: Major police search underway in Bristol over disappearance of young mother nine years ago
‘She had no reason to go missing of her own accord. We need your help’
A major police search across Bristol started today (November 16) in connection with a young mum who went missing nine years ago.
Avon and Somerset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team has also released CCTV footage as part of a renewed appeal over the disappearance of Claire Holland, who was reported missing by her family back in 2012, on Thursday, June 14.
The 32-year-old mum, from Lawrence Weston, was last seen at the Seamus O’Donnell’s pub in St Nicholas Street, Bristol, on the evening of Wednesday, June 6.
Police believe Claire has been the victim of a crime and are treating her disappearance as suspicious.
A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder in 2019. This man, who is now 39 years old, remains under investigation.
Over the next few days, police teams, including an underwater search unit, will be searching areas of Bristol, starting with Castle Park today.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Darren Hannant said: “We’d like the public to cast their mind back to The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend, which was on the weekend of June 2-5 in 2012.
“Claire went missing the day after this significant national event.”
CCTV shows Claire walking along Baldwin Street heading towards the Seamus O’Donnell’s pub at around 9.30pm on Wednesday, June 6, but detectives don’t have any footage showing where she went afterwards.
Staff confirmed that Claire left the pub later that evening just after closing time, around 11.15pm.
“It is possible she headed in the direction of the Fountains, near the Harbourside, but we don’t have any footage of her doing so, despite extensive reviews of more than 1,000 hours of available CCTV,” added Det Insp Hannant.
“We’re carrying out a number of intelligence-led searches in the Bristol area today and over the coming days, with some involving the specialist dive team, starting in parts of the city centre and moving to other areas through the week.
“At this time, we’re treating Claire’s disappearance as suspicious. Claire had no known reason to go missing of her own accord and had made plans for the week following her disappearance.
“Claire’s family are being kept up to date on the progress of this investigation and we’re committed to providing them with the answers they need.
“Specially trained liaison officers will continue to support them at this very difficult time.
Claire is described as white, 5ft tall, of slim build, with shoulder-length brown hair, which was sometimes tied back in a ponytail.
Police have asked the following: