Police have confirmed a homicide investigation has been launched after a body was found in the area {that a} 54-year-old woman went missing while walking her dog.
Claire Knights, from Upstreet close to Canterbury, was final seen in the Kent village on Wednesday.
It’s believed she was walking her white and brown spaniel known as Zebulon – which was later found – from there to the area of Minnis Bay in Birchington.
A body was found in a location close to to Minnis Bay at 7pm on Friday and the household of Ms Knights have been knowledgeable though formal identification has not but taken place, in keeping with Kent Police.
There will likely be an elevated police presence in the area as searches by specialist officers and inquiries by a staff of detectives proceed
Kent Police spokesman
A drive spokesman mentioned {that a} man aged in his 20s had been arrested on suspicion of homicide and was being assessed by medical professionals.
He added {that a} autopsy examination had been carried out on the body however didn’t present particulars of the reason for demise.
The spokesman mentioned: “Kent Police has commenced a homicide investigation after a woman was found deceased close to Birchington.
“Shortly after 7pm on Friday August 25 2023, officers attended the scene between St Nicholas At Wade and Minnis Bay.
“Formal identification has not but taken place, nevertheless, the household of Claire Knights, a 54-year-old woman reported missing from Upstreet on Wednesday August 23, are conscious.
“A autopsy examination has been accomplished and Kent Police’s Main Crime Division has now launched a homicide investigation.
“Claire’s automobile, a silver Suzuki automotive, was recovered from Shuart Lane, St Nicholas At Wade.
“She is believed to have walked from there to the Minnis Bay area of Birchington, where she is reported to have been seen later that afternoon.
“There will likely be an elevated police presence in the area as searches by specialist officers and inquiries by a staff of detectives proceed.
“On Thursday August 24, a person in his 20s from Margate was arrested on suspicion of homicide. He has since been detained for evaluation by medical professionals.”
