Claire Knights murder probe: Kent dog walker believed to have died from ‘blunt force injury and drowning’
Claire Knights was reported missing on August 23 and found dead two days later.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A dog walker who was found dead in Kent is believed to have died from blunt force injury and drowning, an inquest has heard.
Claire Knights, 54, from Upstreet, near Canterbury, was reported a high-risk missing person on Wednesday August 23.
It is believed she had been walking her white and brown spaniel, called Zebulon, from the village to the Minnis Bay area of Birchington, where she was reportedly seen that afternoon.
Opening her inquest on Monday September 4, coroner Catherine Wood said Ms Knights was found face down by her family, between St Nicholas at Wade and Minnis Bay, while they were carrying out searches for her on Friday August 25.
Ms Wood confirmed the initial cause of death given, adding that Ms Knights’ death was “violent or unnatural” and that further investigations are taking place.
Ms Wood suspended the inquest as the criminal inquiry continues.
Police are carrying out a murder investigation.
A force spokesman said a man in his 20s from Margate was arrested on suspicion of murder on August 24 and is being assessed by medical professionals.