Kent Police has now launched a murder investigation after a woman was found dead near Birchington during the search for missing Claire Knights.
Shortly after 7pm on Friday 25 August, officers attended the scene between St Nicholas At Wade and Minnis Bay.
Formal identification has not yet taken place, however, the family of 54-year-old Claire, reported missing from Upstreet on Wednesday 23 August, 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 with her dog, where she is reported to have been seen later that afternoon.
The spaniel was recovered in Minnis Bay by officers on 23 August.
On Thursday 24 August, a man in his 20s from Margate was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been detained for assessment by medical professionals.
There will be an increased police presence in the area as searches by specialist officers and enquiries by a team of detectives continue.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call 101, quoting reference number 23-1922.
If you have other CCTV or dashcam footage please upload it here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4601020123F08-PO1
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the anonymous online form on their website.
