Kent Police has commenced a murder investigation after a woman was found deceased near Birchington.

Shortly after 7pm on Friday 25 August 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 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, 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 enquiries by a team of detectives continue.

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.