A 40-year-old man has been arrested for a third time on suspicion of murdering a woman who disappeared in Bristol a decade ago.
Claire Holland, from Lawrence Weston, Bristol, was last seen leaving city-centre pub Seamus O’Donnell’s shortly before midnight on June 6 2012. The 32-year-old was reported missing a few days later, and has not been seen or heard from since.
On Tuesday, Avon and Somerset Police hailed a “significant development” in the case, announcing it had rearrested a key suspect on suspicion of murder. The man was last arrested in March of this year, and had previously been held in 2019.
READ MORE: Man wanted as woman reports sexual assault on pub dance floor
He is currently being held in police custody, Avon and Somerset Police said. In addition, investigators are currently searching a pub in Clifton, Bristol, following “specific new information.”
Detective Superintendent Darren Hannant said: “Today’s operational activity marks a significant development in our investigation into Claire’s disappearance, which we continue to treat as suspicious. We’ve entered a new phase in our inquiries and from today we’ll be carrying out a forensic-led search of a public house in Gordon Road, Clifton, due to specific new information we’ve received.
“It’s important to reiterate this search activity has no connection with the current or previous owners of the venue.
“In addition, we’re urging anyone with information on Claire’s disappearance, no matter how significant it may seem, to come forward and speak to us now.
Information can be provided by searching for the police’s major incident public reporting site and clicking on Avon and Somerset Police’s page.
Alternatively, witnesses can contact the police on 101 quoting reference number 5219172645, or anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
READ NEXT:
- Mums blame cost of living crisis for stealing £2,250 worth of toiletries from Boots
- Stalker threatened to 'chop up' ex-girlfriend's son and cut her cat's head off
- Man in his 50s found stabbed in Liverpool street
- CCTV released in hunt for pub beer garden attacker
- Paedophile who wanted to rape girl moans jury didn't consider his mental health
