Katie Kenyon: Missing mother is believed to have died of head injuries

A body found in the search for missing Katie Kenyon has been confirmed as the Padiham mother’s.

Lancashire police announced yesterday that they had found remains suspected to be hers in the Forest of Bowland.

The force suspects that the mother of two died as a result of head wounds and a man has been charged with the murder of her.

Today it read in a statement: ‘We can now unfortunately confirm that the body found in Forest of Bowland is that of Katie Kenyon.

“We found Katie last Friday after extensive searches and she has now been formally identified as the missing Padiham mother, 33.”

She was last seen getting into a silver Ford Transit van, believed to have traveled to the Bolton-by-Bowland area from Burnley, Lancashire, on the morning of Friday 22 April.

The statement continued: ‘An autopsy was performed at the Home Office yesterday and the cause of death was stated as head injuries.

‘Our thoughts remain with Katie’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. The family continues to be supported by our specially trained officers. ‘

On Tuesday, detectives said there was only a ‘slim hope’ of finding her alive and announced that their search for missing persons had become a murder investigation.

Andrew Burfield, 50, of Burnley, was charged Wednesday with his murder.

Burfield, from Burnley, appeared via video link from HMP Preston to a brief court hearing accused of murdering Mrs Kenyon on Friday.

He spoke only to confirm his identity during the seven-minute hearing at Preston Crown Court and was remanded in custody.

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A trial date has been set for November 14.

Katie’s loved ones say they have been thrown into a “real life nightmare”.

Her devastated sister Sarah said Wednesday: ‘Receiving the most heartbreaking news this afternoon that … our Katie is no longer with us has been the worst we’ve ever heard.’

She said the family has “lost a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a niece, a granddaughter and a friend”.

Anyone with information please contact Lancashire Police or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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