DETECTIVES have confirmed that a Kent man wanted in connection with the murder of a 44-year-old woman is now also dead.

Police say a body found at the notorious Beachy Head suicide spot in Sussex is that of John Patterson Ingram, 54, who lived at Calder Road, Maidstone.

Mr Ingram had been described as “vital” to the investigation into the fatal stabbing of Shanie Chantell at her home in Mill Pond Close, Sevenoaks, on Tuesday, January 25. Mr Ingram was known to be a friend of Miss Chantell.

Detectives say they have not closed the investigation but will not be looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.

On the same day Miss Chantell’s body was found, Mr Ingram’s red Volkswagen Polo was discovered at Beachy Head and on Saturday, January 29, a body was found at the foot of the cliffs.

But officers from Kent and East Sussex were stalled in their efforts to identify the man due to serious injuries inflicted during the fall.

Forensics experts will continue to examine in detail Mr Ingram’s car and his home.