Tragic Turn in Katie Kenyon Case – Police Now Treat as Murder Investigation
Search for Missing Mum Katie Turns Grim
Detectives are now working on the heartbreaking assumption that missing mum Katie Kenyon is no longer alive. The probe has shifted from a missing person case to a full-blown homicide investigation.
Katie, 33, vanished after leaving a Burnley address on Todmorden Road around 9.30am on Friday, April 22. She was last seen with a 50-year-old man who is currently in custody, arrested on suspicion of her murder.
Man Held as Police Push to Extend Custody
The 50-year-old suspect remains under intense questioning as police prepare to apply to Burnley Magistrates’ Court to keep him detained until 9pm on Wednesday, April 27. Detectives are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage of a silver Ford Transit van, registration MT57 FLC, to come forward immediately. The vehicle is linked to Katie’s disappearance as she was last seen travelling in it towards the Bolton by Bowland area.
Massive Search Effort Underway – Public Asked to Stay Clear
More than 60 highly trained officers from Lancashire, North Wales, Merseyside, and Greater Manchester police forces are scouring the remote areas of Bolton by Bowland and Gisburn Forest. Specialist search dogs, a plane, and other advanced equipment are being deployed. The Salvation Army has set up a feeding station to support search teams.
Detective Superintendent Gary Brooks, head of Lancashire’s Major Crime Unit, said:
“While I hold some slim hope that Katie may still be found alive, I’m sad to say she has now been missing over four days. Despite extensive enquiries and media appeals, there have been no sightings of Katie.”
“Her family are understandably devastated, and we continue to support them closely. I’m grateful for public assistance so far and urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to contact us.”
“The search area is large and remote with no phone signal. I ask the public not to join searches—they are hazardous, and our officers are trained specialists.”
Details of Katie and How to Help
Katie is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall with shoulder-length strawberry blond/ginger highlighted hair. At the time of disappearance, she wore a blue shirt/jacket, white vest top, black leggings, and flip flops.
If you have any information, call Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log 800 of April 24th. You can also report via the Major Incident Public Portal:
https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020119P01-PO1
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
