Claudia apology accepted

A bogus message on a website claimed to be from Claudia and stated she was safe.

Peter Lawrence, 63, of Slingsby, North Yorkshire, said posting the bogus message was a "terrible thing to do" but a subsequent apology gave him some comfort.

The hoaxer has been named as Matthew Biel, 18, from Didcot, Oxfordshire, and his mother said the whole family was "sickened" by his actions.

Mrs Biel said: "I can't even imagine what Claudia's family are going through and I would like to make a heartfelt apology to them.

"This must have caused all of them unbearable pain and I'm absolutely devastated this has happened."

The hoax message, which was posted on the Claudia Lawrence Investigation page in November last year, read: "Hi everyone just let you be aware that I am ok and I am safe and sound. Speak to you all soon. Claudia. Xxx."

Mrs Biel said her son was suspected of being autistic and had no idea his behaviour would cause such distress to Miss Lawrence's family because he had no social awareness.

Mr Lawrence, who has been campaigning for information about his daughter since her disappearance 11 months ago, said: "We are content to accept the apologies given by Mrs Biel for her son Matthew's behaviour on Facebook. We also hope that he will find answers to any health issues he may have."

North Yorkshire Police said an 18-year-old man from Didcot was arrested and cautioned on Wednesday after admitting he was behind the prank. He was cautioned for both offences and released.