Patricia was 64 when she went missing from Southend on 11 May 2017.

She was last seen at around midday in the Bellevue area having gone to visit a friend at an address in Riveria Drive earlier in the day.

The circumstances around Patricia going missing has been reviewed by specialist detectives in the years since and we are now treating her disappearance as a homicide.

On Tuesday 13 June, a man in his 70s has been arrested on suspicion of her murder and he is currently in custody.

An area of Hockley Woods is also being searched and that work will continue over the next few days.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, Head of Major Crime, said: “Patricia is a mother and, now, a grandmother and her disappearance has had a really big impact on her family.

“They understandably have questions about what’s happened to her, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to provide them with answers.

“Patricia disappeared on 11 May 2017 and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

Det Supt Kirby added that he needs anyone with information about what’s happened to Patricia to come forward.

He said: “It is now six years ago but I believe people will have seen Patricia on 11 May and have information which will help give her family the answers they need.

“If you saw or have any information about what has happened to her I need you to come forward and tell us.

“If you don’t want to speak to us, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and remain 100 percent anonymous.”