POLICE searching for a missing mum-of-two have found a body in the woods after receiving “new information”.
Katie Kenyon, 33, was last seen at 9.30am last Friday, leaving a home in Burnley with a man before travelling in the silver van.
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Cops this week said they were working on the basis that Katie was no longer alive, although they had not yet found her body.
Today, Lancashire Police confirmed the body of a woman was found in the Forest of Bowland, which they believe to be Katie.
The force said in a statement: “We can sadly confirm that our officers searching for missing Katie Kenyon have found the body of a woman.
“Our officers made the discovery last night (Friday, April 29th) in an area of the Forest of Bowland after receiving new information about a location where Katie could be.”
The tragic find comes after Andrew Burfield, 50, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Friday charged with murder.
A trial date was fixed for November 14 but no pleas were entered.
Burfield was remanded in custody to appear at the same court on August 22.
Katie’s family paid tribute to the “beloved” mum as they launched a JustGiving page to raise funds for her children.
They wrote: “On Friday the 22nd April, our heartbreaking nightmare began when our Katie was taken away from her children and family far too soon.
“We as family are putting together this justgiving page for Katie to have the best send off that Katie deserves & for Katie’s son and daughter & their future to fulfill Katie’s dreams she had planned with her children.
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“As we know you all want to help, this would be the most appreciated way. Any donations will be truly, gratefully received.
“Thank you for all your kind words and support. We know you’re all behind us.”
A woman matching the missing mum-of-two’s description was seen travelling with a man in the Transit to Bolton by Bowland near Gisburn Forest.
Police released a picture of the van, which has the number plate MT57 FLC.
Specialist officers were seen trawling the woodland for clues as they stepped up the search for Katie.
Police yesterday set up forensic tents in the woodland after receiving a tip-off about the van.
FRANTIC SEARCH
Worried neighbours previously told how Katie’s disappearance is “completely out of character”.
One said: “She’s a very family-oriented person and loves her two children and it’s completely out of character for her to disappear.
“Most of her time is spent with her kids and walking her dog. She’s into spiritual things too.
“She’s a lovely person and always says ‘hello’.
“I last saw her Wednesday morning when she was going to the shop.”
Christine Marshall, 62, described Katie as someone who “doted” on her children.
“She’s lived on this road for many, many years,” she said.
“It’s totally out of character for her to disappear like this.
“She’s always very friendly and I last saw on Thursday as she was going to her car.
“At first, I didn’t realise it was her who’d gone missing.
“For her, the kids come first and they must feel terrible at the moment.
“I just hope the police find her soon.”
Police are appealing for anyone who was in Bolton by Bowland who may have seen Katie or the van to get in touch.
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting log 800 of April 24th.
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