Karen Barton (left), whose body was discovered in Chartham on Sunday and her sister Phoebe (right).

Police have arrested the sister of a woman found stabbed to death in a field on suspicion of murder.

Officers had appealed for help tracing 49-year-old Phoebe Barton in connection the murder of her sister Karen, 51.

Phoebe, of Highland Road, Chartham, went missing and had not been seen since 7pm on Saturday.

It followed the discovery of her sister's body in a green space off nearby Rentain Road, known as Pickett's Field at 12.40am on Sunday.

Officers said Karen was found by dog walkers exercising their puppy before they went to bed.

A post mortem examination revealed the cause of death was stab wounds.

A knife - believed to be the murder weapon - was also recovered.

Police scoured the village looking for clues and searched the river Stour which runs through Chartham.

Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01622 690 690 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.