A much-loved mum suspected to have been murdered was found dead in a ditch by her own family, an inquest has heard.

The body of Claire Knights, from Canterbury, was discovered in Minnis Bay, near Birchington, on the evening of Friday, August 25.

She had suffered blunt-force injuries in what was described as a “violent or unnatural death”.

Ms Knights had been reported missing two days earlier, sparking a widespread search by emergency services, family and friends.

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, an inquest into Ms Knights’ death opened at County Hall in Maidstone and was told she had been discovered face down in a dyke by relatives conducting their own search.

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.