Police have issued this photograph of the woman from
Chartham near Canterbury who officers want to talk to following the
death of her sister.

Officers are anxious to trace 49-year-old Phoebe Barton
(pictured) of Highland Road, Chartham, who has not been since
7pm on Saturday.

The body of her sister, who has been named as 51-year-old
Karen Barton, was discovered in a field off Rentain Road, Chartham,
at 12.40am on Sunday. The field is known locally as Pickett’s
Field.

Det Ch Insp David Withers, who is leading the murder
investigation, said: "We believe that Phoebe can help us to
understand how Karen died and the events leading up to her
death.

Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Video: Police speaking at
the scene of the Chartham murder investigation

"People who know
Phoebe may be able to help with information about where she is and
we would also ask those living in the Chilham area to check any
outbuildings on their property."

A post mortem examination was held on Sunday and the
cause of death has been given as stab wounds. A knife has been
recovered.

Karen’s body was found by dog walkers exercising their young dog
before they went to bed.

Since the discovery, police have been searching the village,
looking for Phoebe.

The search has included the River Stour which runs through
Chartham.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Miss Barton is urged
to contact the incident room on 01622 654860 or Crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111.