A body has been discovered in the search for a mother who went missing while walking her dog, after a guy in his twenties was detained on suspicion of her murder.
Claire Knights was last seen walking her white and brown spaniel on August 23 in the village of Upstreet, Kent.
“Officers have attended a location near Minnis Bay, Birchington, where a woman was found deceased,” Kent Police said in a statement.
“Kent Police was alerted by a member of the public shortly after 7pm on Friday 25 August 2023 and patrols are currently at the scene.
“Formal identification has not yet taken place, however, the family of a 54-year-old woman reported missing from Upstreet on Wednesday 23 August are aware.
“The death is being treated as suspicious and on Thursday 24 August, a man in his 20s from Margate was arrested on suspicion of murder.
“There will be an increased police presence in the area while investigations into the circumstances are underway.”
Officers said the body had been discovered near Minnis Bay, while Ms Knights’ dog was found by officers in the same area on the day of her disappearance.
Kent Police’s detective chief inspector Kath Way said her failure to contact her family was “entirely out of character”.
Mr Way added: “We are keeping an open mind as to what may have happened and still hope to find Claire safe and well, however we are now also treating this case as a potential murder.”
The man arrested in the case has not been identified.Ms Knights was described by police as being five feet six inches tall with straight brown and greying hair.
Anyone who feels they may have seen her is asked to call Kent Police at 999 and reference number 23-1922.
Residents and drivers with private CCTV and dashcams are also being requested to provide any prospective footage that can be shared here.
Anyone with additional information that could aid the inquiry can call 01843 222289 and quote the same reference number.
