The family of a beloved mum suspected to have been murdered have paid tribute to her.

Relatives of Claire Knights have spoken of the tragedy for the first time since finding her body during a search near Birchington.

Ms Knights was found in a ditch in Minnis Bay in the early evening of Friday, August 25, having suffered blunt-force injuries in what was described as a “violent or unnatural death”.

The 54-year-old had been reported missing two days earlier, sparking a widespread search by emergency services, family and friends.

An inquest into her death heard that she had been found by family members, who had been conducting their own search alongside police officers and other emergency services.

On the day before her body was found a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody, having been detained for assessment by medical professionals.

Today, Ms Knights’ family released a brief statement via the police press office describing her as “a trailblazer in life.”

“Claire was a loving mum, partner, daughter and sister,” they added.

“An amazing contemporary artist, a trailblazer in life. She loved animals and in particular, her Springer Spaniel, Zebulon.

“We, the family, are struggling to come to terms with the fact she is no longer with us.

“We wish to thank friends and the community for their active support and kind words.”

The inquest into Ms Knights’ death was held on Monday (September 4), at County Hall in Maidstone.

A post-mortem investigation gave her cause of death as drowning and blunt-force trauma.

Ms Knights is believed to have been walking her dog through Minnis Bay when she went missing on Wednesday, August 25.

Police said her springer spaniel was found running on the beach without a collar or lead.

An urgent appeal was issued by officers following her disappearance, and her car – a silver Suzuki - was later found in Shuart Lane in St Nicholas-at-Wade.

A well-known figure in the Kent art community, Ms Knights has been described as a “bright and intelligent thinker” by friends and her contemporaries.

Uwe Derksen, director of The Margate School, where Ms Knights studied, paid tribute to his former student, saying: “She was an outstanding, exceptional artist and student, and anyone who had the privilege to see her work would no doubt agree.”

Area coroner Catherine Wood opened the inquest and immediately suspended it, pending the outcome of criminal investigations.

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.