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A body has been found in the search for a missing woman last seen a week ago when she is thought to have got into a van.
Katie Kenyon, 33, from Padiham in Burnley, was reported missing after being last seen at around 9.30am on Friday 22 April in Lancashire.
It is believed the mother-of-two travelled that morning in a Ford Transit van that left Burnley towards the Bolton-by-Bowland area of north Lancashire.
A forensic tent was erected as police searched for Ms Kenyon
On Saturday, police revealed the body of a woman was found on Friday night in an area of the Forest of Bowland, following new information.
In a statement, Lancashire Police said: “At this stage although we are not in a position to formally confirm the woman’s identity, we do believe the body is that of Katie.
“Her family have been told and they continue to be supported by specially trained officers. Our thoughts are with them at this time.”
A post-mortem will be carried out later.
An aerial view of police at Gisburn Forest in Lancashire
Map showing the key locations around Katie Kenyon’s disappearance
Detective Superintendent Gary Brooks, head of Lancashire Constabulary’s Major Investigation Unit, said: “Following extensive police enquiries and after a number of days of searching I can now sadly confirm that we have found a body and at this time we believe it to be that of Katie Kenyon.
“Katie’s family have been told and my heart goes out to them at this time.”
The force has said it was focusing on the Forest of Bowland after receiving information on the sighting of the van last Friday.
Officers scoured Gisburn Forest after the mum-of-two went missing
More than 60 specialist search officers from four police forces have scoured forested areas looking for Ms Kenyon.
The hunt involved police and fire service officers, dog teams, mounted police, mountain rescue volunteers and drones.
Andrew Burfield, 50, from Burnley, has been charged with murdering Ms Kenyon, and has appeared in court via video link.
On Tuesday, investigators said they believed Ms Kenyon was dead. Her family said her disappearance was out of character.
As the search for her whereabouts was under way earlier in the week, her sister, Sarah Kenyon, wrote on Facebook: “It is now a waiting game, we have done everything we can, searched everywhere, contacted everyone.”
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