News / Claire Holland

Police search Clifton pub as Claire Holland investigation continues

By Mia Vines Booth  Wednesday Aug 3, 2022

A police cordon was still in place around the Barrelhouse pub on Wednesday as investigations continue into the disappearance of Claire Holland ten years ago.

Forensic teams are searching the building on Gordon Road in Clifton in the wake of “specific new evidence”.

The search, which is likely to take a few days, comes as police have re-arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of murdering Claire.

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Claire was 32 when she was last seen leaving Seamus O’Donnell’s pub on St Nicholas Street at around 11.15pm on June 6 2012. Claire, from Lawrence Weston, was reported missing a few days later.

Police have said the recent operations mark “a significant development” in their investigation into Claire’s disappearance.

A police cordon was still in place around the Barrelhouse pub on Wednesday as investigations continue into the disappearance of Claire Holland ten years ago

Speaking on Tuesday, deputy superintendent Darren Hannant said: “We’ve entered a new phase in our enquiries 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.”

Avon and Somerset Police have said that officers from the neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out additional reassurance patrols in the area to answer any worries or concerns residents may have.

They are urging people to come forward with any information that might help the investigation.

All photos: Mia Vines Booth

Read more: Man re-arrested on suspicion of Claire Holland’s murder

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