Additional reporting by Millie Bowles.

Villagers near Minnis Bay have spoken of feeling unsettled as the search for missing woman Claire Knights continues.

The 54-year-old mum from Canterbury was last seen in the area near Birchington-on-Sea on Wednesday morning, and police have since said her disappearance is being treated as suspicious and a potential murder.

Yesterday a man in his 20s from Margate was arrested on suspicion of murder, and as a major police operation continues, those in the tight-knit community say everyone is looking out for Claire.

“I’m really shocked and saddened,” said Jill Syne, 57. “We all hope this lady is going to be found. You think maybe she’s just wandered off or something. So that’s really saddening to hear that.

“I saw a couple of PCSOs today, and I thought that was strange but now I know why they were there.

“I sometimes go out on my own walking, but I would think twice if it comes to it. I was literally just saying how lovely and safe Birchington is to my family that are down to visit.”

Meanwhile posters have been put in the windows of the Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie, as well as The Waves cafe, and can be seen on every shelter, telegraph pole and sign.

Today police were stopping those walking and cycling along the coastal trail and making inquiries, while two police cars remained in Minnis Bay Car Park.

Claire’s vehicle, a silver Suzuki car, has been found parked in Shuart Lane in St Nicholas At Wade, and it is believed she walked from there to the Minnis Bay area – an hour and a half’s walk through what residents say is a marshy, secluded area, full of dykes.

Another resident told KentOnline it had been an “unsettling” time for the community.

“I’m a regular swimmer, so I spend a lot of time down on the beach,” she said. “It wasn’t so bad when we thought she had been taken ill or something but now we hear she may have been killed it's very unsettling.

“It hasn’t made us feel unsafe but it is unsettling. I think there’s a bit of an edge to everybody.

“The helicopters going over and the fact she’s not been found has been a bit frightening.

“It went over at 2am last night and obviously everyone had their windows open and it was hovering right over the bay.

“It went towards Reculver then circled back again. And there was people getting out of a van obviously there to search.

“I think people won't relax till she’s found.”

“There’s been a continuous police presence. We saw quite a few police cars down here on Wednesday evening and you very rarely see any down here.

“We are very very sad for her family.”

“We feel very concerned,” added resident Valerie Down, “concerned for the lady, and a little but wary.

“I would worry about going out by myself, but that’s life we can't stop just because these things happen.”

Residents can expect to see a continued police presence as enquiries continue.

Claire is described as being about 5ft 6ins, with straight brown, greying hair. She was thought to be carrying a red or pink rucksack and was walking a white and brown spaniel.

Anyone who believes they have seen Claire should call 999, quoting reference number 23-1922.

If you have other information that may assist the investigation please contact police on 01843 222289, quoting the same reference number.

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.