Killer Christopher Halliwell could be linked to Claudia Lawrence disappearance

Christopher Halliwell, the taxi driver serving a whole-life prison term for the murders of Becky Godden and Sian O'Callaghan, has been linked to the disappearances of more women.

The disappearances of Claudia Lawrence, who was reported missing in 2009 when she failed to turn up to work in York, and Melanie Hall who was last seen leaving a Bath nightclub in 1996 could both be linked to the killer according to former detective Steve Fulcher.

Fulcher, who was involved in the original investigation into the murders of O'Callaghan and Godden, told the Sunday Express that Halliwell's "pattern of behaviour" was consistent with both cases of women walking alone late at night or early in the morning.

In the case of Hall, who's body was found in vegetation off the M5 at Thornbury in 2009, there is no suggestion that Avon and Somerset Police are currently linking her murder to Halliwell. However, Fulcher suggested: "Evidence of her being tied up with rope are consistent with Halliwell's interests."

The location of the body would also place Hall in a similar area to the other murders carried out by Halliwell. Though Lawrence's disappearance took place at the other end of the country, Fulcher said: "Halliwell's father lived a few streets away from where Claudia went missing." Lawrence's body has never been found.

Despite Halliwell confessing to Godden's murder to Fulcher back in 2011, the 52-year-old's confession could not be used at the time, as Fulcher had breached guidelines on interviewing suspects.

The confession came during a three-hour private interview rather than a formal police interview. At the same time, Halliwell showed Fulcher where he had buried the body of Godden.

A spokeswoman for Wiltshire Police said they would be contact police forces across the UK to look for possible links with other cases. However, speaking last week after Halliwell was found guilty of the murder, Detective Superintendant Sean Memory who led Wiltshire Police's investigation into the Godden murder said: "It's fair to day there may be other victims as there is an eight-year gap, however I am not linking him to any other investigation at this time."

In a statement issued by Wiltshire Police, Det Supt Memory said: "I appeal for anyone with any information regarding Halliwell, however insignificant it may seem to please come forward and speak to police in confidence."