Police searching for a missing mother-of-two have found a body in the woods after receiving “new information”.
Katie Kenyon, 33, was last seen leaving a home in Burnley with a man at 9.30am last Friday, before traveling in a silver van.
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Cops this week said they were operating on the basis that Katie was dead and Andrew Burfield, 50, has been charged with her murder.
Lancashire Police have since confirmed the tragic discovery of a woman’s body believed to be Katie in the woods of Bowland, Lancs.
The force said in a statement today: “We are sad to confirm that our officers searching for the missing Katie Kenyon have found the body of a woman.
“Our officers made the discovery last night (Friday, April 29) in an area of Bowland Forest after receiving new information about a location where Katie may be.
“While we are unable to officially confirm the woman’s identity at this time, we believe the body is that of Katie.”
Cops said Katie’s family have been informed and are being supported by police.
Meanwhile, a Home Office autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of the beloved mother’s death.
Det Supt Gary Brooks, head of Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Unit, said today: “After an extensive police investigation and several days of searching, I am sorry to say that we have found a body and at this stage we believe it is a Corpse is about Katie Kenyon.
“I would like to thank the public and media for all the help they have given us during a lengthy, complex and very emotional search, and I would also like to thank both the partner agencies and all police officers and staff involved in the search for Katie was.
“While this is not the conclusion to these searches that any of us would have wished for, I know the family appreciates these efforts.”
The tragic find follows Andrew Burfield, 50, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Friday charged with Katie’s murder.
A hearing was set for November 14, but no pleas were filed.
Burfield was remanded in custody to appear in the same court on August 22.
A heartbroken friend wrote of the news today: “I can’t even tell you how devastating this has been for a family who are so close.
“Katie, you are absolutely beautiful, you are so loved by your sisters, your mother (your absolute twin joined at the hip!), your nieces, nephews, your whole family. But most of all, your children.”
The pal added: “Lancashire Police have been outstanding. I’ve never been so proud that from the minute she left they didn’t leave a single stone unturned.”
“TAKEN AWAY TOO EARLY”
It comes after Katie’s family paid tribute to the ‘beloved’ mum yesterday when they started one Just give site to raise funds for their children.
They wrote: “On Friday April 22nd our heartbreaking nightmare began when our Katie was taken away from her children and family far too soon.
“We as a family are putting together this justifying page for Katie to have the best farewell Katie deserves and for Katie’s son and daughter and their future to fulfill Katie’s dreams she had planned with her children.
“As we know you all want to help, this would be the most appreciated way. All donations are truly gratefully received.
“Thank you for all your kind words and support. We know you all have our backs.”
STRONG SEARCH
A woman matching the description of the missing mother of two was seen traveling with a man in transit to Bolton from Bowland near Gisburn Forest.
Police released a picture of the van with license plate MT57 FLC.
Special officers were seen scouring the woods for clues as they intensified the search for Katie.
Police set up forensic tents in the woods after receiving a tip about the van.
And concerned neighbors previously said Katie’s disappearance was “completely out of character”.
One said: “She’s a very family oriented person and loves her two children and it’s totally out of character for her to disappear.
“She spends most of her time with her children and walking her dog. She is also interested in spiritual things.
“She’s a lovely person and always says ‘hello’.
“I last saw her on Wednesday morning when she went shopping.”
Christine Marshall, 62, described Katie as someone who has “fallen in love” with her children.
“She’s lived on this street for many, many years,” she said.
“It’s totally out of character for her to disappear like that.
“She is always very friendly and I last saw her on Thursday walking to her car.
“At first I didn’t realize it was her who had disappeared.
“They put the kids first and they must be feeling terrible right now.”
Police are appealing to anyone who has been to Bolton by Bowland and seen Katie or the van to come forward.
Anyone with information can call the police on 101 and cite the April 24 800 transcript.
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https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/18421972/katie-kenyon-body-found-woods/ Police search for missing mother of two and find body in forest according to ‘new information’