Police have revealed the final movements of a 54-year-old woman before she was ‘murdered’ as a suspect is being held for ‘medical assessments’.

Claire Knights was last seen in the village of Upstreet near Canterbury, on Wednesday morning, prompting concerns for her welfare.

On Thursday, a man in his 20s from Margate was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Shortly after 7pm on Friday, officers discovered Claire Knights’ body between St Nicholas At Wade and Minnis Bay.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, however, the family of, a 54-year-old woman reported missing from Upstreet on Wednesday 23 August, are aware.

A post-mortem examination has been completed and Kent Police’s Major Crime Department has now launched a murder investigation.

Claire’s vehicle, a silver Suzuki car, was recovered from Shuart Lane, St Nicholas At Wade. She is believed to have walked from there to the Minnis Bay area of Birchington, where she is reported to have been seen later that afternoon.

There will be an increased police presence in the area as searches by specialist officers and enquiries by a team of detectives continue.

The man who was arrested has since been detained for assessment by medical professionals.

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.