Murder probe after body found in area where woman went missing while walking dog
Claire Knights, from Upstreet near Canterbury, was last seen in the Kent village on Wednesday.
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.Police have confirmed a murder 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 near Canterbury, was last seen in the Kent village on Wednesday.
It is believed she was walking her white and brown spaniel called Zebulon – which was later found – from there to the area of Minnis Bay in Birchington.
A body was found in a location near to Minnis Bay at 7pm on Friday and the family of Ms Knights have been informed although formal identification has not yet taken place, according to Kent Police.
There will be an increased police presence in the area as searches by specialist officers and inquiries by a team of detectives continue
A force spokesman said that a man aged in his 20s had been arrested on suspicion of murder and was being assessed by medical professionals.
He added that a post-mortem examination had been carried out on the body but did not provide details of the cause of death.
The spokesman said: “Kent Police has commenced a murder investigation after a woman was found deceased near 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 yet taken place, however, the family of Claire Knights, a 54-year-old woman reported missing from Upstreet on Wednesday August 23, are aware.
“A post-mortem examination has been completed and Kent Police’s Major Crime Department has now launched a murder investigation.
“Claire’s vehicle, a silver Suzuki car, 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 be an increased police presence in the area as searches by specialist officers and inquiries by a team of detectives continue.
“On Thursday August 24, a man in his 20s from Margate was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been detained for assessment by medical professionals.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.