DETECTIVES investigating the disappearance of university chef Claudia Lawrence have again turned to the public for help.

They have renewed their appeal to identify a left-handed smoker seen with a woman on Melrosegate Bridge, in York.

Officers launched an appeal to trace the mystery couple last week, but so far no one has come forward with any information.

The man and woman were seen by a passing cyclist at about 5.35am, on March 19 – the morning that Miss Lawrence failed to turn up for work at York University’s Goodricke College.

The cyclist was travelling from Rawdon Avenue towards Heworth Road, and they were on the cyclist’s left. The woman had her back to the railings – but not up against them.

The man was about 5ft 6in, skinny, wearing a dark hooded top with the hood up, and holding a cigarette in his left hand. He was wearing dark-coloured combat trousers with pockets on the side.

The woman was smaller than the man, with mousy-brown hair and was wearing a blue, waist-length jacket.

Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway said: “We are appealing to any other members of the public who were in the area to come forward as a matter of urgency. They may be unconnected to the inquiry, but we need to eliminate them.”

Crimestoppers has now offered a £10,000 reward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on 0845-60-60-24-7, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.