Police find body in hunt for woman who vanished on dog walk

A woman's body has been found in the search for a missing 54-year-old in Kent.

Her car was reportedly found parked nearby and her dog was last seen running loose on a beach.

"She was last seen between 16:00 and 16:30 at Minnis Bay, walking from Birchington towards Reculver, most likely heading to her parked car at St Nicholas at Wade.

"She was walking our Springer Spaniel from St Nicholas at Wade to Minnis Bay as he was found running around on Minnis Bay beach that evening without collar or lead and taken to the police.

"Claire was last seen at Minnis Bay beach by the beach huts."

Patrols are currently at the scene after they were alerted by a member of the public at 7pm on Friday 25 August 2023.

A man in his 20s has also been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Kent Police said in a statement: "Officers have attended a location near Minnis Bay, Birchington where a woman was found deceased.

"Kent Police was alerted by a member of the public shortly after 7pm on Friday 25 August 2023 and patrols are currently at the scene.

"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.

"The death is being treated as suspicious and on Thursday 24 August, a man in his 20s from Margate was arrested on suspicion of murder.

"There will be an increased police presence in the area while investigations into the circumstances are underway."

A friend of Claire's told The Sun: "I last saw Claire three weeks ago and she seemed fine.

"She seemed her usual self. I feel like something terrible has happened to her. I'm very upset about it.

"We're absolutely devastated."

Kent Police has urged anyone who might have information to call 999, quoting reference number 23-1922.

LADbible has contacted Kent Police for further comment.