A body has been found in the search for a missing mum.

Officers are at a location near Minnis Bay, Birchington, where a woman was found deceased.

Police were alerted by a member of the public shortly after 7pm yesterday and patrols are currently at the scene.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, however, the family of Claire Knights, who was reported missing from Upstreet, Canterbury, on Wednesday, are aware.

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

A spokesman for the force said: “There will be an increased police presence in the area while investigations into the circumstances are under way.”

The 54-year-old was last seen in the village of Upstreet on Wednesday morning.

Her vehicle, a silver Suzuki car, has since been found parked in Shuart Lane in 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.

Police posted that her dog, a springer spaniel, was found running on Minnis Bay beach without collar or lead and was taken to the police.