Body of missing Westerham pensioner Margaret Payne found after seven years
Published: 11:22, 01 October 2021
Updated: 16:09, 01 October 2021
The body of a woman who went missing seven years ago has been found.
Margaret Payne, from Westerham, was 81 when she was last seen at her Croydon Road home on Sunday, April 27, 2014.
Westerham Town Council posted online: "Some of you may remember Margaret Payne who, very sadly, disappeared at the end of April 2014.
"She was never found despite extensive searches by the police.
"Seven years after her disappearance she has been found in a wooded area at Biggin Hill.
"Her family has asked that we share this news with the wider community."
Margaret had lived in Westerham since 1975 and was described as an active member of the community.
At the time of her disappearance Kent Police made repeated appeals for imformation and said "she was a private woman and not a great deal was known about her".
Officers searched her home and carried out house-to-house inquiries. The force said she had links with Derbyshire and South Wales so may have set off to visit one of these areas but became confused.
In 2015, a cafe was opened in Westerham's Congregational Church and named in Margaret's memory.
The council's statement added: "Following an inquest there will be a private family funeral. Also, if anyone wishes to make a donation in her memory, they would like such donations to be made directly to the Forget-Me-Not Café."
The town clerk later added to the post: "Just to let you know that the family have seen and appreciate all the comments about Margaret."
Police have been contacted for further comment.
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Jenni Horn