A suspect in a murder investigation remains in custody a week after being arrested following the death of a mum.

Claire Knights was reported missing last week and a body was found in the search near Minnis Bay, Birchington last Friday – the day after a man was detained.

Seven days on from the arrest, a man in his 20s from Margate who is being held on suspicion of murder, is still in custody and police say there is “no update” in the case.

Police are yet to reveal how the 54-year-old died but have said a post-mortem examination led detectives to officially launch a murder investigation on Sunday.

The force has also not released information about whether the victim and the suspect in custody were known to each other.

The man arrested is yet to be charged and police have not said whether the initial "medical assessments" relating to the suspect have been completed.

No further details have been released about where the body was found after officers previously plotted Ms Knights' final movements between St Nicholas-at-Wade and Minnis Bay.

Ms Knights is believed to have been walking her dog through the Minnis Bay area of Birchington when she went missing last Wednesday.

Following his arrest, the man was detained for assessment by medical professionals.

In the days before her body was found Ms Knights’ family and friends organised searches around the area.

A well-known figure in the Kent art community, Ms Knights has been described as a “bright and intelligent thinker” by friends and her contemporaries.

Uwe Derksen, director of The Margate School, where Ms Knights studied, paid tribute to his former student, saying: “She was an outstanding, exceptional artist and student, and anyone who had the privilege to see her work would no doubt agree.”

Ms Knight’s vehicle, a silver Suzuki car, was recovered from Shuart Lane, St Nicholas-at-Wade.

She is believed to have walked from there to Minnis Bay where she was last seen on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 23.

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

Residents were told to expect an increased police presence in the area as searches by specialist officers and inquiries by a team of detectives continue.

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.