POLICE are focusing their enquiries on a specific area in the Forest of Bowland in the search for missing mum-of-two Katie Kenyon.
Although Katie has not yet been found, a man this morning appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court charged with her murder.
Following a tip-off from the public, officers are now focusing their enquiries on a specific area within the Forest of Bowland as they hope to gather further evidence.
Officers searching an area in the Forest of Bowland earlier this week
A police spokesman said: “The search for Katie continues and due to information provided by a member of the public regarding the sighting of a silver transit Van MT57 FLC on April 22, we are prioritising an area in the Forest of Bowland for additional search and forensic scrutiny to determine whether this could be an area linked to Katie’s disappearance.
“Katie's family are aware of the development, although at this early stage it is too soon to say if the find is linked to her disappearance, and we would urge people not to speculate on social media as this could cause the family additional distress.”
At 10am on Thursday morning (April 28) – almost a week after Katie was last seen, Andrew Burfield appeared in the dock charged with murdering Katie.
He spoke during proceedings only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Wearing a grey sweatshirt and jogging bottoms, Burfield was told his murder charge could only be dealt with at a higher court and he was remanded into custody until Friday, when he will appear at Preston Crown Court.
Andrew Burfield leaving court on Thursday morning
Gill Smith, chairwoman of the bench, told him: “You will be remanded into custody until tomorrow where you will appear at Preston Crown Court.”
Ms Kenyon, from Padiham, Burnley, was last seen at around 9.30am last Friday when it is thought she travelled in a Ford Transit van which left the town towards the Bolton-by-Bowland area of Lancashire.
On Wednesday police carried out searches in Gisburn Forest, a remote beauty spot in east Lancashire.
More than 60 specialist search officers from four police forces scoured the area of dense forest looking for Ms Kenyon.
Mum-of-two Katie Kenyon is still missing
The hunt involves police and fire service officers, dog teams, mounted police, mountain rescue volunteers and drones.
Ms Kenyon is described as white, 5ft 9in, with shoulder-length strawberry blonde/ginger hair.
She was last seen wearing a blue shirt or jacket and white vest top, black leggings and flip flops.
Her family, who say her disappearance is out of character, are being supported by specially trained officers.
Anyone with information should contact the police on 101.
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